Planning Staff Recommends 60-Day Delay In Considering Major Hixson Project

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

The Regional Planning Agency staff is recommending a 60-day delay on consideration of a proposed major development at Highway 153 and U.S. 27.

The staff said a number of items about the project on 190 acres are not ready.

The proposal by developer Duane Horton is for a major shopping center on 148 acres and residential on the remainder of the very steep tract. The residential would be 280 units with a density of 6.7 units per acre.

Access would be from three curb cuts off Highway 153, including one right in only and right out only.

The staff said the applicant was asked to submit a traffic plan, including the effect on the nearby Boy Scout Road, Highway 153 and U.S. 27 interchange, and a revised site plan. He is also to conduct a neighborhood meeting. The staff said the traffic study is apparently being completed, but is not ready. The staff does not have the revised site plan and the neighborhood meeting has not been held, it was stated. The staff also wants a detailed grading plan that will show what the completed site will look like.

The conceptual plan on the project has a 50-foot slope buffer and 50-foot landscape buffer.

Concerning environmental features, it is noted that the site contains significant vegetation and existing views. Much of that would be taken out due to the development, it was noted.  


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