News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Putnam County Planning Commission voted 9-0 Tuesday night to approve a new preliminary plat for a six-home subdivision along Charles Maxwell Road.
The new preliminary plat requires developer Anthony Leonard to construct a four-foot “ready-to-pave” road base on his side of the property so that Charles Maxwell Road can be widened. Last month, the commission approved a three-foot gravel shoulder, but County Road Supervisor Randy Jones said that was unacceptable.
“It’s unfortunate that the road supervisor decided to tear down the trees on the north side of that road and that he decided to make that road so wide and create a high-traffic road in such a small community,” Leonard said.
County Attorney Jeff Jones said the planning commission does not have jurisdiction over existing county roads. He said Randy Jones has the responsibility for Charles Maxwell Road. Randy Jones said he would take Leonard’s four-foot base and space from the south-side right of way to create an 18-foot road. All involved wanted to protect a row of trees on the south side of the road.
Safety on what is essentially a one-lane cut through between Double Springs Road and Highway 70 has been an issue since the commission first considered the project. Several residents spoke out Tuesday night about cars speeding through the curves. Randy Jones said as an unmarked road, the speed limit on Charles Maxwell Road is 55mph. A petition has been turned in by residents to reduce that speed.
After the vote, Commission Member Dale Moss asked Leonard “are you going to accept this?” Leonard responded he was not satisfied.
A second part of Leonard’s development which abuts to the Charles Maxwell Road homes received its preliminary plat Tuesday night. Leonard asked the planning commission to separate the two developments because of the current cost structure in the construction industry.
“It’s unlikely I could attack both at the same time,” Leonard said.
