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Commission approves rezoning of 147.21 acres on Howell Road over objections from industrial board
Summary
The Planning Commission approved rezoning about 147 acres at 350 Howell Road from A‑1 to RD‑1 for a 455‑lot single‑family concept; the Industrial Development Board had submitted opposition and commissioners questioned builder vetting and emergency‑access design. Vote: 6–3.
The Morristown Regional Planning Commission on Feb. 10 approved a rezoning that would allow a large single‑family subdivision on roughly 147.21 acres at 350 Howell Road.
Senior Planner Josh Cole presented the request from developer Steve Holgate, describing a conceptual plan divided into three residential sections totaling about 455 lots (lot sizes of roughly 6,000 and 6,600 square feet), a 1.5‑acre park, sidewalks and a pedestrian path. Cole told commissioners that, given the parcel’s proximity to Veterans Parkway and surrounding zoning, the development would be feasible for city services and utilities. Staff recommended forwarding the rezoning to City Council with approval.
The Industrial Development Board submitted a letter opposing the rezoning; that letter is included in the meeting packet, Cole said. Will Stout, speaking for TN Land Partners, said the concept is conceptual, that the company would divide the overall site into three smaller sections to attract local builders, and that roads would be designed to meet emergency‑vehicle needs. Stout confirmed his firm does not build housing and said this would be its first project in east Tennessee.
Vice‑Chairman Jack Kennerly voiced concern that short driveways in some developments can push parking onto streets and impede emergency vehicles. Mayor Gary Chesney asked whether developers would be vetted to ensure construction quality; Stout said the plan to split the site into smaller parcels was intended to encourage higher‑quality local builders.
Mayor Gary Chesney moved to approve the rezoning; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Alpha Alexander. The Planning Commission approved the rezoning 6–3. The minutes record that a preliminary plat and full construction plans must be submitted and approved by staff and Planning Commission prior to construction.
