Planning commission approves Millennia Cottages site plan after debate over community center timing

The Hendersonville Planning Commission approved the TBN Millennia Cottages site plan, a 55‑cottage (110‑unit) senior‑restricted development at 645 East Main Street, after a heated discussion about whether the project’s community center must be substantially complete before residents may occupy units.

Developer representative Mark Boyd of Kimley‑Horn told commissioners, “we intend to start construction in May of this year,” and said the developer would submit a land‑disturbance permit as soon as the site plan is approved. Trilogy Asset Management representative Frank Camedia described a construction approach that prioritized civil work and simultaneous building of cottages and amenities, and asked for flexibility on a strict timing condition for opening the community center.

Commissioners removed the item from the consent agenda to ask whether staff could condition occupancy on the community center’s substantial completion. Staff explained that because the development is in a planned development, the city can require conditions but the exact trigger and timing depend on construction plans and practicality; if amenities or infrastructure are incomplete at first occupancy, the city typically requires surety to guarantee completion. As staff put it, “we would evaluate what’s incomplete as of that time [and] require a surety to be posted before those units start to be occupied.”

Commissioners asked detailed questions about design and materials. Staff said the submitted site‑plan elevations are an improvement over initial illustrations submitted with the final development plan but that several cottage units still need modifications per staff comments. Commissioner Wessel and others asked for final exterior elevations and for staff to provide the definitive finishes once they are approved.

After discussion the commission approved the site plan with staff comments by electronic vote, seven yeses and two noes. The approval requires the developer to resolve outstanding staff comments and submit construction plans and permits; staff indicated surety or other assurances will be used if elements remain incomplete at the time of initial occupancy.

Next steps: the developer will submit construction plans and permit applications; staff and the commission will confirm compliance with the approved elevations and any conditions before occupancy permits are issued.