Residents urge change; planning commission approves Wilson Branch Farms concept plan

Mark Johnson, a resident of Old Murphy'sboro Road, told the Williamson County Planning Commission he and neighbors oppose the Wilson Branch Farms concept plan, which would place 28 single-family lots on about 34.145 acres at 336 Old Murphy'sboro Road. "We the homeowners on Old Murphyville Road are opposed to the proposed concept plan to build 28 new residences on 33 acres," Mark Johnson said, noting that existing lots on the road are generally one acre or larger and that the proposal's half-acre lots would not preserve the area's rural character.

The commission heard two other nearby residents during public comment. Phyllis Johnson urged the commission to delay approval, saying the subdivision would roughly double homes and traffic on the short, one-and-a-half-mile road and that smaller subdivisions (under 50 lots) receive no separate public hearing or direct mailed notice: "Subdivisions of 50 parcels or less, there's no requirement for public notification," she said. Tim Johnson, who identified himself as a history professor, said the area is rich in Civil War–era sites and that archaeological sensitivity is an additional community concern.

Staff presented the concept plan and said it complies with the Triune special area plan and TCA2 zoning, which allows lots as small as a half acre and generally permits roughly two units per acre. Staff noted the plan shows 45% of the property preserved as open space and retention of about 91% of existing trees. The staff presentation said water service would be provided by the Nolanville College Grove Utility District and sewer service by the Triune sewer facility; staff recommended approval with standard conditions.

Chase Kerr, an engineer representing the developer, said the subdivision roads will be public and not gated and told the commission the developer "has agreed to provide a waterline extension down Old Murphy'sboro Road that will serve this development along with improving water for surrounding lots." Staff told commissioners that preliminary-plat submittal can occur before infrastructure is installed but that final plat and lot sales will require documented water improvements.

Commissioners asked whether a traffic study or road improvements were required; staff said a traffic study was not warranted in this case and that no roadway improvements on Old Murphy'sboro Road were required under the consultant's review. Staff also said eight lots subject to steep slopes will require engineered lot plans for construction.

After questions and discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the concept plan per staff recommendation. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. The approval advances the project to subsequent platting steps subject to the standard conditions outlined in the staff report and required utility documentation prior to final plat.

The commission will next consider the project's preliminary and final plats; those steps will include submittal of required water availability documentation and any archaeological findings discovered during site work.