Johnson City Planning Commission discusses notable development proposals

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – At Tuesday’s meeting, the Johnson City Planning Commission was presented with two significant proposals: Rezoning for a potential campsite off of Bristol Highway and a preliminary layout for a multi-faceted development on North State of Franklin Road.

Proposed Campsite off Bristol Highway

The campsite is proposed to be constructed off Bristol Highway behind a dealership . Commission Chair Chris Dagenhart said he felt this idea would be positive for the city.

“I realized there’s a whole raft of people coming to visit our community,” said Dagenhart. “And some of them like to camp and some of them want access to restaurants, grocery stores, shopping.”

The proposal called for the rezoning of the property to allow for the campsite’s creation, consisting of 5 RV Pads and 23 sites for tents, cabins or “yurts”.

While the commission approved the proposal, the idea of traffic near the site’s entrance caused some concern.

“I think it’s a well-known concern that Bristol highway is very crowded,” said Dagenhart. “[A] Traffic-heavy street.”

However, changing this is beyond the commission’s scope of control.

“That’s a state road,” said Dagenhart. “So we don’t get to make final decisions on how that traffic is controlled.”

The proposal was passed unanimously.

Proposed N. State of Franklin Development

Another agenda item surrounded the establishment of a preliminary layout for property on North State of Franklin Road. The proposed development would create space for a potential hotel, retail space and a restaurant beside a Food City store.

Dagenhart said the commission’s Tuesday night decision decided the division of the space, but not what will ultimately be built there.

“I think it can very well be a positive,” said Dagenhart. “But it’s certainly not a foregone conclusion that that’s exactly how that property is going to be used. Tonight, we only make the decision that the property will be divided into three parts.”

The proposal passed with 7 yes and one abstained.

Dagenhart said the proposals will be back before the board when the concept and final plans are established.

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