FC Planning Commission Approves Rezoning to Mixed-Use in Sewanee

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
At the June 28 meeting, the Franklin County Regional Planning Commission voted to recommend rezoning 67 acres in Sewanee from agricultural and general residential use to mixed-use, allowing for commercial development. The area includes 24 leaseholds.
The University of the South requested the rezoning. “The intent is to allow continued development and adaptive reuse of existing structures, and create a walkable, mixed-use village in downtown Sewanee,” said University spokesperson Frank Gladu, Vice President of Administrative Services.
Four Sewanee leaseholders who own property within the area proposed for rezoning attended the meeting.
“Will there be demolition of any existing buildings?” asked leaseholder David Bowman.
“There are no plans to demolish any buildings,” Gladu said, “but the University has the right to remove buildings it owns.”
Leaseholder Louise Irwin read a comment from leaseholder Tam Parker expressing concern about development in the area when sewer line breakage and frequent overflows were common on Depot Branch.
“According to Sewanee Utility District manager Ben Beavers, SUD has plans to fix the sewer line in the area,” Gladu said.
“Are there plans for constructing specific buildings?” asked leaseholder Chris Colane.
“These questions aren’t the purview of the commission,” commission chairman A.L. Shasteen insisted.
“What is your purview?” Irwin asked.
“We make recommendations to the County Commission on zoning,” Shasteen said.
“What would make you not approve the rezoning?” Irwin asked.
“We must approve it if it meets our regulations,” commissioner David James explained.
Janet Petrunich, Director of the Planning and Zoning Department said, “We’re here to decide if the request to rezone is compatible. There are 500 acres of mixed-use property in Sewanee. Much of the residential proposed for rezoning to mixed-use is adjoined by property already zoned mixed-use.”
Leaseholder Lucia Dale expressed concerns about adequate parking.
County Highway Superintendant Johnny Woodall said, “We looked at the plans for parallel street-side parking and parking areas behind the buildings. It’s a good plan that will help the community and give them places to park.”
“Our intent is to create a walkable village from both homes and cars,” Gladu added.
“None of this is making me feel better,” Dale said. “You’re just talking about more concrete, more traffic and more trees gone.”
The commissioners voted unanimously to recommend the County Commission approve the rezoning request. The commission will vote on the request at its July 19 meeting.
The rezoned area’s boundaries include U.S. Highway 41-A, Hat Rock Road, Winn’s Circle, Bob Stewman Road, Bobtown Circle, Mimosa Circle, Ball Park Road, Castleberry Drive, Bakers Lane, Prince Lane and Lake O’Donnell Road. The current use is educational, residential and religious.
Mixed-use property is taxed based on use. Property taxes of leaseholders will not increase as a result of the rezoning.