Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Please remain standing for prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day. We thank you for all your many blessings. We thank you for the opportunity to be here and to discuss the workings in Wilson County. We ask now that everything we do tonight makes good decisions and continues to make Wilson County move forward. In Christ's name, amen.

Amen.

Okay, roll call. Here.

Rodney Coleman.

Here.

Charles Ferris.

Here.

Eunice Lindy.

Here.

Tim Shelton. Dale Turner. Linwood Fitts.

We do have a quorum present, correct? Thank you. Okay, the minutes were from the July meeting were mailed in the packet. If I should have an opportunity to read them, I'll entertain a motion to approve.

I move to approve July 2026 minutes.

Second. Got a motion and a second to approve the meetings. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion carries. Okay, you're on.

Board members, the item we have before you is a conditional rezoning 26-02 Oldwood subdivision. There's proposed in phases four, five, and six. It is 36 acres, approximately roughly 67 lots. They will have or will be served by Black Creek's and they're looking to conditionally rezone this from AR, which is 40,000 square feet, down to 10,000 square feet. As you know, before this has been brought before your attention in June, matter of fact, on June 15th, and it was denied based off, without any basis within that motion. So we had a motion. It was... pretty much denied, but it was no reasoning basis behind the denial. So we received a letter later on that week from the applicant trying to clear up what that denial was. And so it's asked to come back before the board to rehear the case. I'm willing to answer any questions you may have at this time.

Okay, everything about this conforms with our UDO and regulates, I mean, the number of entrances and... That's correct. That's correct. Okay. Any more questions from the board for Brad while he's up? Is there somebody here representing the developer? Yeah, I have a couple questions, if you don't mind, Robert.

Yes, sir. Good evening. Robert Bartlett, Bartlett Engineering, representing the developer. Developer isn't here tonight. David Turnage, today's his wedding anniversary, so he elected to be with his wife instead of here. I understand. I'm able to represent and answer any questions.

I understand. My question is, this was on the agenda for coming back in August, maybe, I guess, and you guys decided to pull it. My understanding was y'all were going to have a public meeting or a meeting with the community. My question is about telling me about that, where it was located, time and date, how everybody was notified, and what the outcome of that meeting was, if you don't mind. Can you elaborate on that?

Yeah, so we attempted to have a meeting. I don't recollect that date right off. I forwarded that information to Brad earlier today, but we reserved the town of Black Creek Community Building and set a time, notified the residents that had been at the prior meeting and that expressed concerns and that there were records of names. had reached out to contact them to let them know we'd like to meet with them, discuss concerns, see what we could address, and received a phone message from Mr. Neil Phillips stating that they would not be meeting with us, that they would just be addressing any concerns directly to the board. David Turnage and I did go, showed up, just hoping somebody may be there. There was not, so unfortunately we've not been able to to discuss anything that would possibly address their concerns. They may have some new concerns. I was not at the meeting before. Jimmy Taylor was here representing Bartlett Engineering. From what I understand with the concerns, I can address them. We can see what they are tonight and go back through them. But it appears that It's pretty much a matter of just not wanting to see the property develop. They've gotten used to nobody there. And just would like to see it stay that way. And that's understandable. But this was laid out to be. subdivision all along from the beginning. It's just a continuation of the existing subdivision, not different than what's there. You know, if we were proposing apartments or shopping center or something different than what's already there, could understand, but, you know, a little hard to Understand that a development that is pretty much identical to what's already there saying well, that's not good good development That's correct. Yes, sir.

Okay Thank you. Does anybody have any more questions for developer?

I just have a quick one the notice to the native neighbors, how was it given I

I know there were phone calls and I know they received it because we did receive a phone message back. I forwarded the message to Mr. Thompson that we got saying that I think Mr. Neal Phillips was serving as spokesperson for the residents and he said that they would not be meeting with us.

Was there a sign posted anywhere that a meeting was coming?

No, I mean, there was not. Thank you.

Thank you. Mr. Chairman, that was August the 19th at 6 p.m.

Okay. August the 19th, 6 p.m., Black Creek Community Building.

Yes.

And no one showed. Okay.

All right.

Thank you. Thank you. Do we have anybody signed up to speak? We do.

Okay.

All right. Okay. All right. Let me go over a few things first just to let everybody know. We appreciate you coming. This is a time. I feel like it's important the public gets an opportunity to speak, and we do appreciate you coming out. But we have a few rules in place. We limit everybody to three minutes. When your time is up, we're going to ask you to move yourself on the podium. Only three minutes. You cannot pass your time to anybody. If you come and speak for a minute, you cannot pass the other two minutes on to somebody else. You get three minutes, and that'll be all. Speaking in front of the planning board is a privilege. It's not a right. We don't have to allow you to speak, so we ask that you be courteous. No comment from the audience. This is not a question and answer session. You can't stand up there and ask questions. Look for us to address them. You can ask questions. If somebody later on decides to take that question up, then certainly we'll... Somebody will take it up at that time. Please, when you come to the microphone, please state your name and your address for the record. Thank you.

Good evening. Good evening. I'm Neil Phillips. I live at 5202 Evansdale Road. I would like to submit a petition, if you don't mind.

Can I approach the board? Your call.

Turn it in right there, I'll be fine.

Well, we were only asked to actually contact three neighbors out of about 28 because, not because, I had to, I petitioned the neighborhood, our neighborhood's in two sections with a split street, a middle street called Danbury. I live beside Castlewood Lane, which has a big ditch where the state had rocked it with the rip-rap, and it carries a lot of water from all the Evansdale Road, both directions, plus the Castlewood water goes to the same ditch and then goes back to the woods. Now, as it gets further back, it gets shallower. So we have a tendency to flood, even on a, not real flood, but on a hard summer rain, or any summer rain. I know our concerns previously were the children, or the effect of traffic on children, or the neighborhood with the extra houses, and kids walking, playing on bicycles, and walking the dog, and people in general walk in that neighborhood. Our neighborhood, like I said, is one square mile if you walk around the hall, four sides. Excuse me. It's been a very quiet neighborhood. And I've been there for about 33 years. And I was the first homeowner. And I might not be the oldest, but I know I've been there the longest. But that's our biggest concern. Also, DOT, the regional office in Nashville, I contacted them. They said they handle all subdivisions for Wilson, Edgecombe, and Nash. And the resident engineer had no knowledge of this subdivision because they could put a street. We were told from the first meeting that they were denied putting a street into Evansdale Road. And the map shows. cul-de-sacs, about four cul-de-sacs in that neighborhood. Well, maybe three, but anyway. And a dead end street, because the farmland backs up the other side, the little short side street. That's the main concern, is the impact of traffic.

Thank you. Got anyone else?

For time constraints, I kind of typed everything out, so I hope y'all will forgive me for... doing it this way, but I'm here tonight to express my concerns regarding the proposed subdivision currently under consideration near our neighborhood. While I understand the need for responsible growth and development, I respectfully ask the board to carefully consider potential impact this project could have on the safety and well-being of existing residents, especially our children. One of my greatest concerns is the significant increase in traffic that the development is likely to generate. The roads serving our neighborhood are already used daily by families, school buses, pedestrians, cyclists, and children who live and play in the area. Additional vehicles entering and leaving the subdivision would increase the risk of traffic accidents and create a less safe environment for everyone. The safety of our neighborhood children should be a primary consideration in the decision regarding this project. Another important issue is the location of the proposed development. The property has long been recognized by many residents as an area prone to flooding and contains wetlands. Developing land with these characteristics raises concerns about stormwater management, increased flooding, and surrounding properties, because our streets, where the proposed development is being considered, it all runs downhill, and it's going to run towards that property. And that's where it already floods. So with that being said, additionally I am concerned that the proposed subdivision appears to have only one entrance and exit. A single access point presents significant public safety. In the event of a fire, severe weather, flooding, or other emergency, residents could face delays in evacuating while emergency responders could encounter difficulties reaching those in need. Multiple points of access are an important consideration for protecting both current and future residents. As elected officials, you have the responsibility to balance growth with public safety and the protection of our community. I respectfully ask that you carefully evaluate whether this proposed subdivision adequately addresses traffic safety. flooding and wetland concerns, emergency access, and the overall impact of neighboring families. Our community values thoughtful development that preserves the safety and quality of life that have worked hard to maintain. I urge you to place the safety of our residents, especially our children, at the forefront of your decision-making process and to require that these concerns be fully addressed before any approvals are granted. Thank you for your time, your service to Wilson County, and your careful consideration of these important issues. Oh, I'm sorry. Sherry Strickland, 5251 Castlewood Drive.

Good evening.

My name is Dickie Strickland. I live at 5251 Castlewood Drive, Wilson. Basically, I just want to reiterate what they have been saying. Our main concern was the one road access point. All the extra traffic is going to have to come through our neighborhood to get to that point. And there's already, I mean, there's a lot of traffic on our road now, which leads to the kids that Ride the bikes up and down. They're on skateboards, scooters, people walking the dogs, people pushing baby strollers. I mean, there's just a lot more traffic going to be coming through that area to get to that subdivision because it's only one way in and out. And like I say, there is some wetlands that are back there. There's a flood plain back there, too. But that was just the main concern was the safety of the kids. being the lead into the one road, one access in and out. And that's, like I said, I'm just reiterating what they have been saying. Thank you.

There's two access points coming out, correct? I mean, there's one going to Evansdale Road, and there's one going out to Frank Price Churchill. Okay, okay. Two access points.

I think Van Buren Lane is considered access.

Can you pull that map up? Can we pull the map up so we can see it?

Yeah.

Okay.

Who you got next? Yes, I'm ready for the next one. I'm ready for the next one. Okay. Yeah. We still got order. Who's next? Kenny? Kenny Jackson? Okay. Okay.

My name's Kenny Jackson. I live at 5325 Castlewood Drive. And I can't disagree with anything they say. It just so happens I built all the houses out there, except a few that are the last six and two others. Anyhow, I built the last 14 on Evansdale Road and however many is on Castlewood Drive. And I live there myself. So I'm concerned about traffic. There's already too much traffic. But I don't think the original and my uncle, Harold Jackson, starting the subdivision in the first place, we had probably 150 lots in it. I don't have a copy of that old map, but I don't recall all the traffic coming out on one street either. It definitely would be a congested area. As Dave spoke, it already is. And that ditch that Mr. Strickland and Mr. Phillips, I think, mentioned is already a very wet spot sometimes. I'm not opposed to development, as the gentleman over here mentioned. I'm going to read one of him. It was designed to be in development in the first place. This is not anything new anybody came up with. It just took 30 more years to get to this point. But I am concerned about all the traffic coming out on 1 Street mainly is my concern. Thank you. Thank you.

Hi, my name is Allison Phillips. Thank you for giving me this time. Is my time start right now? Okay, thank you. Allison Phillips, 5202 Evansdale Road. Thanks so much. I'm also here to kind of back up the main points that have been iterated at this meeting and the previous meeting. I think it can be easily summarized by there's a lack of a safe egress onto a state road. It backs up all the traffic onto also state roads, but you can see how small that road is and how congested it already is, especially as newer houses are built currently, still being built. We have two more that are just paved right now Number of cars increasing per household, deliveries, door dash, all that increase that has happened in just the past five years I've been there. It's like completely different. So the traffic is a real concern. If it was any way to put some flow onto Evansdale, that would alleviate a lot of the concern. It's not like people don't want progress. There's a lot of reason to have buy-in to progress on that side of town. We want money for schools, we want people in general, but it just can't be done in a way that the priority is squeezing every last cent out of an already compromised lot of land. It needs to be a more sustainable, thoughtful, possibly smaller subdivision or with some kind of answer or remedy to the traffic issue. Also the flood plains, I do recall the first meeting, there were two reasons stated for denial by the board, and I think it might have been a procedural mishap, it didn't get recorded, but I believe there was one lady who agreed the traffic sounded like an issue, and gentlemen, I believe you were familiar with Fran and Floyd and the hurricane, like it went way above what that floodplain was rated as as far as the surprise of the flooding. So I think that there are probably more wetlands than are even charted out right now if it were to be surveyed. Yeah, I think that's about it. Thank you for your time. I appreciate it so much.

Thank you. That is all.

All right, Mr. Chairman, which do you want to see?

No, my question was the access points. I see you used three access points currently, correct?

In here, these are considered state-maintained road on all three of these. Yeah. As a reminder, this goes out before you guys even see it to our technical review committee, and that is made up of DOT, it's made up of school systems, it's made up of EMS. I mean, it's sent out to about 14 different entities to review prior to coming before the board. That way we can get feedback to give you guys proper notes. So it's not handled at staff level only. We reach out to those agencies to find out. Soil and Water is another one that we speak with as well. and we didn't get any comments back from them. Not saying it wouldn't be, but we ask for that with every development that comes through this county.

Anybody got any more questions for staff?

This is the floodplain that we're speaking of back here in the back. So from the county level, we have to look at what the ordinance says. We regulate 100-year floodplain based off of FEMA standards. And obviously, I can take you to many places where we've seen flooding take place. But as far as the ordinance itself, unfortunately, this office can only look at what we can handle on that. I mean, this is a federal level. OK. Any more questions?

Any more questions? I do have one quick one. Is the type of notice that the folks who live out there were supposed to get, is it normal for it to come from the engineers, the surveyors, or does your office do any of that?

We send out adjoining property owner notices for every subdivision, whether it is a conditional rezoning, The commissioners, I should say, have asked us to send what we call APOs out to any subdivision that takes place within this county, whether, like I said, if it's a rezoning or conditional rezoning or just a straightforward subdivision. So notice is given out. However, what they were having is, off the record, something completely different. We encourage people, if there is a situation where they think that, you know, you want to be a good neighbor, right? You need to have that meeting, but that's handled outside of the office. We hope to resolve some of these questions or concerns prior to coming before the board, but that is not something that we are requiring at the moment. We are looking at making this a possibility of requiring it, but as it stands right now, it's up to the developer to choose to do so. That's just where we're at today. Thank you.

No more questions? Any more questions for Brad? It's a little disappointing that you guys had a meeting and no one showed up. I think a lot of these concerns could have been addressed and talked about that with a developer, could have been expressed to the developer. So from my standpoint, I'm disappointed that the attendance was zero when the developer took the opportunity, pulled it off the planning board, and planned a meeting for the community, and there was no attendance. There was no attendance. I'm a little disappointed to hear that. I read the emails, heard the voice messages. The opportunity there for everyone to expressed their concern directly with the developer, and you guys missed on that opportunity. That's just me stating, disappointed. I think that's disappointing. No, ma'am, that part of the program has been closed. You guys have any more questions or comments? I'll entertain a motion.

I move the Wilson County Planning Board recommends approval of the request to conditionally rezone the subject property from AR to CDR 10, allow for the development of major subdivisions.

I second. We've got a motion and a second. Any more comments, questions from the board? You want to call the roll on this vote? approve approve approve approve Motion carries, let me remind everybody. This is just a recommendation board. The final decision is made by the Wilson County Commissioners You know when that'll go on the agenda Okay All right. All right. Very good. All right. You got anything? Anybody got anything? I don't have anything. Appreciate y'all coming. Just a reminder about the workshop prior to the meetings. They're very helpful. Try to attend if at all possible.

Motion to adjourn. Second.

Motion to second. Meeting adjourned.