The Planning Commission meeting of 8-21 should have been called the Give In to the Developer meeting!

When the agenda got to the topic of the Howard property (formerly Kennedy property) proposed 99 lot development, numerous complaints from adjacent property owners were stated, especially regarding tiny lot size compared to the properties in Brookfield, Macon Manor and Blantonwood. Only one commissioner, Mr. Sellers, stood up to defend Tullahoma citizens while the rest fell in line behind the developer, Mr.  Howard. Lots of time was spent discussing water drainage and other topics while lot size was practically disregarded. There was some dribble about what the commission had the power to do and what it couldn’t do. In the end, despite many Tullahoma citizens’ objections, Mr. Howard got what he wanted. When asked what size homes Mr. Howard planned to put in the development, he said that had not been considered. The commission bought that hook line and sinker! Of particular interest was the commission approving a clear violation of the Fire Code requiring two entrances/exits to the properties, which it clearly does not have. How they justified that eludes me and many others.

Since the commission is not elected but appointed by the mayor and aldermen, I will support mayor/aldermen candidates who support firing the existing entire commission, with the possible exception of Mr. Sellers, and replacing with people who support the citizens, not the developer.

James Rector

Tullahoma