Neighbors press drainage concerns as council advances Bryson Farms annexation and rezoning on first reading

The Murfreesboro City Council on July 2 considered the annexation and companion rezoning for Bryson Farms, a proposed 78-home development on about 17.5 acres along Halls Hill Pike, and moved the measures on first reading after extensive discussion about drainage.

Matt Taylor of SCC, the applicant's consultant, described a plan split evenly between detached and attached homes, private streets and HOA maintenance, and a central amenity green. Taylor said the project density (about 4.5 units per acre) would fit a pending future land-use amendment to bring properties on the south side of Halls Hill Pike into the city's service-infill line.

Taylor spent much of his presentation addressing drainage: he said the applicant's engineers modeled inflows from three directions and proposed to pipe water through the site into a box culvert that ultimately connects with downstream drainage previously improved by the city. He described installing a bypass channel and engineered conveyances so the site's runoff would "mimic or improve" existing drainage conditions and emphasized the team will not "dam up water" and will size channels and ponds as construction plans are developed.

Several neighbors spoke during the public hearing. Joyce Carlton, who owns three lots that border the site, said a 1957 drainage easement was recorded incorrectly, an engineer re-drew it and the current property owner declined to approve the redrawn easement. Carlton said water "pools in my parcel" and pressed the applicant to ensure a route exists for that water to reach the downstream box culvert.

Another resident identified as Karen of Oak Point described flooding that she says began after surrounding development and said water had entered the area under her house. Both speakers urged the council and applicant to ensure the development does not worsen existing flooding.

Taylor and staff responded that the construction plans will include a drainage study modeling flows from each inlet, that the applicant will size channels and ponds accordingly, and that staff and the developer would meet with affected neighbors to review detailed plans. Taylor said some high points of the neighborhood mean not all backyard pooling will be eliminated but that the proposed system is intended to convey water more effectively.

Council closed the public hearing on the annexation and considered the plan of services and rezoning on first reading; roll-call action moved the items forward. Staff said they will follow up with Ms. Carlton and other neighbors as construction plans are developed.

The annexation and rezoning now proceed through required readings and technical review before final action.