Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Hopper Annexation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves Fox annexation on Hopper Road over resident objections
Summary
The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission voted to approve the annexation and R2C zoning for the 13.82-acre Fox property on Hopper Road after staff said infrastructure and stormwater controls will be addressed during later engineering; neighbors urged lower density and road fixes.
The Johnson City Regional Planning Commission on May 12 approved the voluntary annexation of roughly 13.82 acres on Hopper Road and assigned the property R2C zoning, a decision that drew extended public comment about traffic, drainage and neighborhood character.
Riley Putney, development coordinator with the planning division, told the commission the request would allow 37 single-family homes, noted utilities are available and estimated the development would add roughly 12 students to Woodland Elementary. Putney said the concept plan is binding if the zoning assignment is approved, but technical documents such as a traffic impact analysis and engineered stormwater plans will be required at the preliminary-plat stage.
Neighbors urged the commission to require lower density and road improvements before annexation. "This level of density is inconsistent with the surrounding area and would dramatically alter the character of our neighborhood," said Caitlin Simmerly, who lives adjacent to the site and represented several neighbors. Jeremy Collins, whose comments were read into the record, said his family has owned property there for nearly 80 years and described repeated dangerous driving incidents on Indian Ridge Road.
Brandon Stamper, speaking for the applicant, said outstanding issues including traffic and stormwater will be addressed through construction plans and city regulations. "A traffic study is being required," Stamper said, adding that engineering will meet city requirements.
Commission debate focused on whether the proposal meets the Horizon 2045 plan and whether required engineering reviews would sufficiently mitigate neighborhood concerns. Vice chairman Kelly said staff and the traffic and engineering departments have the expertise to address safety concerns and that the proposed density is below the local average for the area.
The commission voted first to approve the plan of services (voice/roll call) and then to approve the zoning assignment. The plan-of-services vote passed unanimously. The zoning assignment passed on roll call with eight votes in favor and one opposition (Commissioner Baumgartner cast the no vote).
Next steps: Because the commission approved annexation and zoning assignment, the applicant must complete engineering, a traffic-impact study and other items required at preliminary plat before the planning commission will consider a final plat or construction permits.
