News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Baxter could see a new commercial and residential development located at 330 First Avenue South in the future.
Developer Lynn McHenry addressed Baxter Planning Commission to get a feel for what the community would like to see. He said he didn’t have a set plan of action for the almost two acres of land, be it townhomes, single-family homes, or a combination of commercial and residential areas.
UCDD Planner Tommy Lee said the commission can’t tell McHenry what they would or wouldn’t allow, but that more official discussion could be had.
“I think what I would do if I were you, is come back with a concept plan of what you want to do,” Lee said. “We can take a look at it, then if we like that, you could come back potentially next meeting with a rezoning (request) and site plan. If that all goes through.”
Most members on the Planning Commission said they liked the idea of a joint commercial-residential area. McHenry’s preliminary thoughts included shops along the road with residential townhomes in the back of the property, including a large green space that could act as a park area.
Cailey Webb owns the lone residence that neighbors the property. She said she had concerns about safety, flooding, and traffic and how too much development could exacerbate those issues.
“My home historically floods because of that creek,” Webb said. “So I’m concerned about PERC tests, and I’m concerned about how many structures will be on here because all of that water is going to come to my basement. I have two sump pumps that work 24/7 to keep water out. So those are just some of my concerns.”
McHenry said he wants to do what he can to work with the city and make as many people happy as possible.
