Planning commission declines to support rezoning at 13117 Harrison Road amid traffic, drainage concerns

The Farragut Municipal Planning Commission voted Sept. 17 to recommend against a proposed rezoning of 12.25 acres at 13117 Harrison Road from agricultural to R‑4 attached single‑family residential (townhomes), following public comment highlighting traffic and drainage concerns and staff advice to defer major map changes until a comprehensive plan update is finished.

Staff told the commission that the request (Resolution PC‑26‑08, tied to Ordinance 26‑18) would substantially increase density on a largely rural corridor and that the town is amid a comprehensive land‑use update. "So the staff's recommendation is to not support resolution PC‑26‑08," the staff presenter said, urging patience until the future land‑use map is revised. Residents who live adjacent to the site repeatedly asked how new traffic and drainage impacts would be handled. "What's gonna be done to fix the traffic issue?" said Rose Litzinger, who identified herself as a nearby resident at 5139 Harrison Lane and described narrow local roads and existing congestion.

Thomas Krajewski, representing Homestead Land Holdings and the applicant, said the request seeks R‑4 medium‑density residential to allow townhomes rather than multifamily development and that infrastructure improvements required by town regulations (including road and drainage upgrades) would be part of any future development. The applicant argued R‑4 fits the transitional character between an existing neighborhood‑convenience commercial node and lower‑density parcels to the south.

Commissioners discussed policy consistency and timing: several members said the future land‑use map and the ongoing update — expected to finish in mid‑2027 — should inform decisions on larger undeveloped tracts. After discussion, the commission amended and approved a motion "to not support" the resolution recommending the rezoning; the motion carried by voice vote. The commission's action is advisory and will be forwarded to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for final consideration.