Olive Branch approves 'Caroline's Corner' plat; owner says site will host small elopements and photo shoots

The Olive Branch Board of Aldermen on June 17 approved the final plat for Caroline's Corner, a 0.952-acre commercial parcel at the southeast corner of Goodman Road East and Highway 178, that the owner says will be used primarily for photo shoots, small elopements and intimate events.

The planning staff presentation said the parcel is zoned C-3 (general commercial) and contains an existing building that does not meet the current front-yard setback. Staff recommended the plat recognize the building as a legal nonconforming structure; condition language recorded in the staff summary permits the existing setbacks to remain but requires a new building, if constructed, to meet applicable setback requirements.

Miranda Strafus Collins, who identified herself with a home address at 1275 Lee Road, told the board, “it's mainly for photo shoot opportunities, small elopements. This is not a big reception hall by any means.” She said the site may host small gatherings with an intimate dinner after a ceremony but is not intended for large receptions.

Planning staff also told the board there are no sidewalks along the frontage of Goodman Road at this location and recommended waiving the sidewalk requirement for this property. The plat condition explicitly waives the sidewalk construction requirement on the Goodman Road frontage as presented. Staff noted the waiver reflects the lack of existing sidewalks along that stretch of roadway.

Aldermen raised questions about potential uses and traffic. One board member asked whether the site would host weddings and whether there would be music or loud receptions; the owner said there would not be loud receptions. The board asked about right-of-way along Goodman Road; planning staff said records show an 80-foot right-of-way in front of the property and explained that an 80-foot ROW could accommodate potential future widening, bike lanes and sidewalks if those improvements are pursued later.

The board approved the plat by voice vote. The motion was moved and seconded and the chair recorded the outcome as “Aye” with the motion carrying.

Clarifying details from the record
- Caroline's Corner parcel area: 0.952 acres (planning staff).
- Zoning: C-3, general commercial; existing building considered legally nonconforming for front-yard setback; setbacks remain as recorded on the plat but would be subject to current standards if the building is demolished and rebuilt.
- Sidewalks: staff recommended and the plat includes a waiver for sidewalk construction on the Goodman Road frontage because sidewalks do not currently exist along that block.

The approval allows the owner to pursue required building permits and site improvements under the conditions summarized by planning staff.