Developer seeks variance for +20 units

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher • Editor

On Tuesday, the Planning & Zoning Commission briefly discussed Gateway Development Group's request for a variance to build 20 additional units in a proposed townhouse development on the former Fanning property next to the Moore County Co-Op on Highway 50.

Chairman Dexter Golden noted, "The amount of land [Gateway] has allows it to build 44 units."

Gateway is seeking the variance to increase that number to 64 because the developer expects to build up – not out – thus not taking up the maximum percentage of the lot.

Golden told the board, "There's no hardship in there other than the hardship on their company."

Board member Jeff Ross noted that a large build would require a substantial detention pond on the property. Golden also mentioned the need to consult the Tennessee Department of Transportation regarding access to Highway 50. "We need to see a drawing," Ross added.

Metro Utilities Manager Ronnie Cunningham said that during a recent phone conversation, a Gateway spokesperson stated the development would have 56 units. "He keeps adding up and down or whatever," Cunningham said, and he confirmed that the water and sewage lines could handle 64 units.

No one from Gateway attended Tuesday's meeting. However, Golden encouraged board members to review the information packet provided, and he does expect someone from the development company to attend the April commission meeting to provide feedback and answer questions about the proposed development.