Commission approves UMH "Memphis Jazz" manufactured‑home park plan after questions on drainage, sewer and leases

The commission approved PD2026‑008, a plan development application to allow a manufactured‑home park at 3723 Thomas Street, with staff conditions. Chloe Christian (Division of Planning & Development) presented the staff report and recommended approval; the staff noted the property is currently vacant and that manufactured homes are allowed by right but a manufactured‑home park requires plan development approval.

Josh Whitehead, representing UMH Properties, said the project—branded "Memphis Jazz"—would mirror nearby UMH developments and involve roughly $20 million in site preparation. He and UMH’s engineering vice president, Jeff York, answered questions about on‑site detention, sewer service (the applicant said a tap to the City of Memphis sewer is approved), phasing (UMH estimated 2–4 years between phases depending on sales), and land‑lease terms. York said the company generally limits annual land‑lease increases to 5% and sometimes offers long‑term land leases that match mortgage terms. The commission approved the project with the recommended conditions (vote recorded: 10 ayes, 1 abstain).