Meeting roundup: new commissioner sworn in; lot-line change approved; grocery-store concept pushed to March

The Pegram Planning Commission on Feb. 9, 2026, handled several routine items: Kevin Stewart was sworn in as a commissioner, the commission approved a plat amendment to move an interior lot line at 5063 Robinson Drive, and staff and commissioners reviewed a concept plan for a potential grocery store at 550 Highway 70 and requested additional details for the March meeting.

Mayor Charles Morehead administered the oath to Kevin Stewart after the commission opened its meeting. The roll call showed six members present and one absent.

On a motion by Miranda Montgomery, seconded by Charles Morehead, the commission approved a plat amendment to move an interior lot line at 5063 Robinson Drive so an accessory structure (a shed) can be relocated. Planner Jacob Doerfflers notes recorded that fire hydrants had been added, the accessory structure would be relocated outside setbacks and ten feet from other structures, and a land hook had been added at the planners request; the plat will be signed and recorded.

Commissioners spent a significant portion of new business reviewing a concept plan for 550 Highway 70, where applicants proposed using two tenant units adjacent to an empty space for a grocery store. Staff and commissioners flagged several items to be addressed before a formal site plan: lack of a clear rear ingress/egress, screening for a chain-link fence (slats or equivalent), a 15-foot vegetated buffer (staggered cypress suggested), flat drainage (a French drain was proposed as an option), utilities (sewer, gas and water) at the rear, a proposed 12-by-80 awning for rear storage (not enclosed), a requested setback change to 40 feet, one accessible parking space, and confirmation from the Tennessee Department of Transportation about use of an existing site entrance located about 260 feet from the nearest intersection. Staff said a site plan would be ready for the March meeting.

Other procedural items: Howington Constructions subdivision request for 9022 Highway 70 was deferred to March at the applicants request. Town Attorney Martha Brooke Perry said she would deliver draft bylaws to commissioners before March for review, and Planner Jacob Doerffler reminded commissioners that four hours of training are required each year; training materials will be available in March. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.