DUANE SHERRILLEditor

The Tullahoma Planning Commission gave approval to the Sweetwater Subdivision after public outcry that the subdivision is not in full compliance with city code in the area of drainage and wetlands.

“That whole process was a joke,” exclaimed Russel Credle from the gallery after the planning commission approved the preliminary plat 5-1.

The project which brought the ire of nearby residents, is to build a 21-lot subdivision at O Wilson Avenue. The applicant on the project is JSE Enterprises.

Tony Grow of Grow Environmental Systems was first to speak in opposition to the development. He said that his assessment of the site revealed there are protected wetlands on the border of the planned development and that his filed a report, contradicting the original finding. He warned that forging ahead with construction without making absolutely sure they are not in violation of wetlands laws could be expensive in the end.

“There could be costs that are unbearable if they are caught at the very end,” he said, confirming that are wetlands at the site. “The planning process of environmental can’t be overlooked. You can get through with it but it’ll hit your later on. The best thing to do is get all those boxes checked off. I advise you take U.S. jurisdictional water status very seriously”

Rebecca Tuck and her husband own property to the north of the 10-acre site on Old Shelbyville Highway. She said she is not opposed to growth but in this case, she did not feel it is smart growth.

“It’s very dense with 21 lots and is not in keeping with the neighborhood,” she told the board during the public comment time. “And it has not minimum footage or aesthetics that we know of.”

She said; however, that her deepest concern is the environmental impact. “This site of 10 acres does contain wetlands,” she said, noting it the shifting of dirt would increase the runoff onto the homes to the north of the development. “It is well documented that we already have water issues. We have called the city many times about the water issues that gets up over the road.”

She fears the subdivision will overload their defense systems that she and neighbors have installed at much expense over the year.

“The 21 building lots could erode the qualities that make our community desirable,” she said.

Mike Posey, who lives two doors down from the Tucks, wanted to know who would be responsible for the retaining ponds since they are both behind his property.

“I’ve already spent $40,000 to have my basement encapsulated,” he said. “I don’t want to spend more because more water is running onto my property. I’m very concerned about this. We don’t need any further exacerbation of the problems we’ve had with water.”

Credle first shared a letter from Eugene London who lives on Wilson Avenue. In his letter London pointed out there is already heavy runoff and the development could cause more problems.

Credle then addressed the board personally, noting he owns 60 acres near the 10-acre area where the subdivision is proposed. He warned there could be potential legal implications for the city.

“The wetlands that exist on Sweetwater property were ignored and not thoroughly tested,” he maintained, pointing to major errors in the original hydrology report.

He said that a conversation with the developer led to him reportedly being rude and raising his voice.

“The developer stormed out of the room after 30 seconds,” he said of the meeting he and a neighbor had with the developer. “We were there to discuss him plans and he was nothing but rude, combative, argumentative and insulting to both of us.”

He continued that the only question they were asked by the developer was “if we would give up a three million dollar profit to not develop this property.” Credle said he responded – “My answer was yes, I would rather count my friends and neighbors than my money.”

Credle went on to ask if it is a good idea to place a major subdivision at the end of Tullahoma Airport’s primary runway. He also suggested that anyone with a vacant lot next to their house buy it up before a developer can get ahold of it and force numerous houses on that lot.

Joel Tuck had questions about the detention ponds and what impact they may have.

“What about the mosquitos in these detention basins?” he asked. “Mosquitos are horrible. These lots are set to go right up to the detention ponds.”

He said it will take a long time to set up an HOA to take care of the ponds. “Meanwhile, the developer has sold the lots and he’s gone. I just don’t think we have everything lined up.”

Zack Blair, who conducted the original study, spoke on behalf of the developer. He said he has worked with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation and that there has been a complaint filed against the project to the Army Corps of Engineers.

“They will be coming out to our site and looking at it from the Army Corps standpoint,” he said. “We have not identified wetlands out there.”

There was some confusion before the commission voted as to what the legalities were when it came to approving or denying the plat.

“Once an application is submitted and deemed fully complete, it is put on to review,” Planning and Development Director Samuel Luthi said, noting the plan then has to be considered within a 30-day window.

Luthi did point out that in their motion that the commission could force developers to come back to the board if there are any modifications to the plan.