Walkways prompt building controversy

By Staff
Mitch Freeman Madison County Record
Issues that revolve around subdivision pedestrian access and walkway/bikeway connection between subdivisions were sprinkled throughout this month's planning commission meeting.
Pro access Madison resident Mike Callahan addressed many comments to the commission, as did residential developer Joe Murphy, each lobbing for their interests. Murphy pointed out that requirements regarding pedestrian access are not clear.
The planning commission will hold a public hearing on May 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Madison City Complex regarding amendment of subdivision regulations.
Land zoned for agricultural use continues to shrink as Madison's Planning Commission continues to recommend approval of requests for other uses.
The planning commission makes recommendations on land use requests to the Madison City Council.
Approvals recommended include Archie and Mildred Bobo's request to rezone 10.23 acres of property located south of Highway 72 for general business use. Madison resident Don Dupree addressed the commission, in regard to his concern that adjacent residential properties should also be rezoned for business use. The commission responded that rezoning requires that the property owners request rezoning.
About 10 acres of property located off Old Overton Drive was requested by Heritage Plantation, Inc. to be rezoned for zero lot line residential use.
Philmond Smith requested rezoning of almost 64 acres located south of Hardiman Road for use as medium density residential. A little less than one acre located east of Wall Triana and north of Chestnut Drive was requested by its owner, John McGee, to be rezoned from low density residential to neighborhood commercial.
In business related to subdivisions, approval was requested for re-subdivision of the Bridgefield Subdivision's fifth addition, tract one of the fourth addition, located on Bellingham Drive. This request was approved, contingent upon submission of performance bonds for sidewalks.
A re-subdivision was requested for a combination of lots four and five of Heatherwood Subdivision's fifth addition, located on Southwood Drive. There are no outstanding contingencies. Matthew and Norene Fordham are the developers.
A request for approval of a preliminary plat for 35 lots in Windsor Parke Subdivision, located west of Balch Road, was approved. If the city council approves the planning commission's approval of this preliminary plat, the developer will be able to move forward with infrastructure development.
Planning commission approval for this preliminary is contingent upon approval of pavement width variance, water and wastewater approval, pedestrian access easement and site assessment. Joe Bob Whitt is the developer for Windsor Parke.
Approval for re-subdivision of tract E in Heritage Provence, located off Ambergate Drive and Old Overton Drive, was requested by Enfinger Development, Inc. This involves 32 lots within 15.32 acres.
Approval was granted, contingent upon seal and signature of the registered surveyor, a show of ownership for all adjacent parcels as recorded with the county tax assessor, copy of site assessment, side and rear yard easement resolution and water and wastewater approval.
Joe Murphy and Associates requested approval for of a preliminary plat for Chapel Hill Subdivision, located north of Browns Ferry Road and west of Balch Road.
Chapel Hill includes 67 lots within 39.87 acres. Approval by the planning commission is contingent upon a variance for a second access. Madison subdivision requirements impose a minimum of two accesses. Also, water and wastewater and pedestrian access requirements have not been satisfied.
The planning commission will recommend to city council the addition of turn lanes to Hughes Road, north of Highway 72, along with modifications to median noses, which will aid in turning movements.
In addition, the commission will recommend approval to add turn lanes to Shelton Road, at the intersection of Shelton and Madison Boulevard.