Skillern Elementary addition approved despite conservancy’s objection over public‑access easement

The Planning Commission approved site and access changes for Skillern Elementary (8459 Springfield Road), including a two‑classroom addition and a revised parent loop, after hearing objections from the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy over a State public‑access easement.

Architect Tripp Mullins said the parcel was removed from the 100‑year floodplain on FEMA’s 2025 maps and that the campus’ existing stormwater system can accommodate the small addition. Conservation representatives Kerrie Phillips and Susan Crowell said recorded easements from 1999 preserve public pedestrian access into the gorge and that the current plan "clearly obstructs the easement" and should be delayed. Phillips said the conservancy had provided documents and aerial overlays showing the easement on the deed.

City Manager Johnson told commissioners he had spoken with the City Attorney and that TDEC had indicated it did not object to Planning Commission approval while the State and Ivy Academy work on relocating the easement; the motion to approve passed unanimously with the caveat that the fire line installation would wait on coordination with the fire chief. Officials and conservationists said they would continue to try to resolve easement language and alignment with the State and Ivy Academy.