Planning commission adopts Prestonwood Outline Plan changes tied to new Public Works specs

The Piperton Planning Commission voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to adopt changes to the Prestonwood Subdivision Outline Plan so it aligns with forthcoming updates to the city's Public Works technical specifications.

Public Works Director Richard Mills told commissioners the department is revamping technical specifications and will begin requiring compaction testing for new roadways; he said the changes will be distributed to the commission roughly a week before the February meeting for review. Mills credited new Public Works Assistant Ricky Hobbs with helping to implement the revisions.

City Planner Brett Morgan said he had discussed specific edits with Prestonwood representatives and that the developers agreed to amend their Outline Plan text to reflect several items from the pending specs, including soil sampling, compaction testing and a reference to “number 12 TDOT inlets” in the Outline Plan text. Morgan said the intent is that, by the time the Outline Plan goes to the Board of Mayor and Commissioners for first reading, it will already incorporate those items so development agreements will be affected going forward.

Vice‑Chairman Bob Archer sought clarification about statutory entitlements when an approved plan is later subject to a change in city specifications; Morgan stated the commission would be approving the specific changes to Prestonwood's Outline Plan Text and that Prestonwood's team had agreed to abide by those items. Mayor Henry Coats moved to adopt the Prestonwood Outline Plan changes; Vice‑Mayor Mike Binkley seconded and the motion passed with all affirmative votes.

Planner Morgan also noted that the Priddys are pursuing a special assessment district and are attempting to reclaim some right‑of‑way; no further action was taken on that item at the meeting.