Commission approves rezoning for Antioch Road development despite safety concerns about bus stop

The Johnson City Commission voted to adopt Ordinance 4938‑26 on third and final reading, rezoning property on Antioch Road from A1 (agriculture) to RP2 (residential) after staff recommended approval.

Riley Pony, development coordinator, told the commission staff had made no changes and "still recommends approval." The rezoning renders the applicant’s submitted concept plan binding if the development moves forward; significant deviations would require return to the planning commission and commission for review.

Public commenter Cindy Humphrey raised questions earlier in the meeting about whether a 501(c)(3) referenced in prior hearings had been researched by the city attorney and pressed safety concerns about a proposed bus stop on Antioch Road that currently has "no shoulders and no sidewalks," saying the site’s 11% grade would make it unsafe for students to wait or walk to the stop. "Where will the students wait for this new bus stop?" she asked.

Traffic engineering manager Anthony Todd said the traffic study estimates a total of 693 daily trips for the development, with peak hour counts of 41 (AM) and 54 (PM). The study found adjacent intersections would operate at an acceptable level of service (level B). Commissioners and staff also noted planned corridor improvements tied to nearby development projects, including widening and signal work along Walnut and State of Franklin, which project staff said will help capacity.

Commissioners discussed sidewalks and possible measures to provide a safe gathering spot for students at the bus stop; staff confirmed that sidewalks would be built within the new subdivision to the bus‑stop entrance, but sidewalks on Antioch itself would not be constructed as part of this project. Staff said they would request the developer consider clearing a safe waiting area adjacent to the new entrance to avoid students standing on Antioch shoulder.

After discussion, the motion to approve the rezoning carried on roll call: Commissioners Fowler, Gats and Weise voted yes; Vice Mayor Brock and Mayor Greg Cox also voted yes.

Next steps: with rezoning approved, the submitted concept plan becomes binding for subsequent preliminary plat, construction and final plat stages; staff said any significant change from the concept would return to the planning commission and commission for further review.