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Proposed “Neighborhood at Bowie Park” plans move to Fairview City Commission in December




Proposed “Neighborhood at Bowie Park”SUBMITTED

Proposed “Neighborhood at Bowie Park”SUBMITTED

The proposed master plan for “The Neighborhood at Bowie Park” passed its first hurdle November 10 when the Fairview Municipal Planning Commission voted unanimously to send the plan on to the Fairview Board of Commissioners for review – but there are several steps in the approval process, according city leaders.

The development plan proposes 181 building lots on 124.43 acres of land just to the south of the Cox Run Subdivision off Cox Pike – and backs up to the north side of Bowie Nature Park.

While some members of the community have expressed a desire for more connectivity, a trail off this property connecting to a Bowie Nature Park trail has raised concerns about after-hours park access, controlling the types of vehicles that could access park trails, and whether the development would benefit or negatively impact the park.

One issue raised among adjacent property owners on social media is the proposed entrances off Waynes Lane and Cox Run Drive at Mangrum Drive.

The project shows a Planned Unit Development (PUD) with lot sizes of 90’x125’ and 80’x125’ with front setbacks of 20 feet and side setbacks 7.5 feet. Along with smaller lot sizes, the proposal does reflect approximately 30% of the property set aside as open space.

While the plan requires rezoning from RS-40 to RS-20, the 2040 Comprehensive Plan shows residential medium density for that area.

Under Staff Comments, the traffic concerns were addressed with recommendations to require the developer to make road improvements for Cox Pike and Waynes Lane.

Planning Commission members also questioned space for off-street parking, streetlights designed to lessen the impact on wildlife, and what type buffer would best protect the park.

City Manager Scott Collins said all discussions relating to infrastructure will have to be approved by the board of commissioners (BOC). With the planning commission moving forward, Collins said the project will go before BOC for a first reading, followed by a public hearing, and then second reading on the development itself.

“The BOC does have the opportunity because it’s a POD, to mandate certain changes within the subdivision,” noted Collins, who added at that point the actual site plan would come back to the planning commission for approval.

“After tonight, there is a minimum of three visits before boards or commissions for final approval of what will actually be constructed within the subdivision,” advised Collins.

Newly-elected City Commissioner Brandon Butler, who also currently serves as chairman of the Planning Commission, is seeking community input, suggesting questions or concerns can be emailed to BButler@Fairview-TN.org.

“There are still several steps for citizen engagement and feedback in the submittal, so I am seeking that now. I know I will not make everyone happy, but my goal is to try my best,” stated Butler.

The item could be on the December 3 city commission agenda.

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