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Proposed 247-Home Development Faces Pushback Over Zoning, Infrastructure

Issue #495

July 14, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly to mostly cloudy skies w/ scattered thunderstorms during the evening

📰 Proposed 247-Home Development Faces Pushback Over Zoning, Infrastructure

📰 Old Dynamite Found on Beard Rd Prompts Bomb Squad Response

📌 August 19: Kids Connect Fair

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Proposed 247-Home Development Faces Pushback Over Zoning, Infrastructure

Credit: Grace Dunn

A proposal to annex over 100 acres into the city of Mt. Pleasant moved one step forward last week, though a request for the highest-density zoning was rejected by the city’s planning commission.

The land in question—106 acres of farmland off Columbia Pike, bordered by Zion Road and Old Zion Road—was brought before the Mt. Pleasant Planning Commission by John Maher Builders. The developer hoped to construct 247 single-family homes on the site, which sits on the historic Armstrong plantation.

While the commission approved the annexation request, they denied the developer’s bid for R3 zoning, which allows for the greatest residential density. Commissioners recommended instead that the developers pursue a less dense R2 designation, citing the county’s comprehensive plan that calls for preserving the rural character of the area.

The developer argued that their proposed plan would not create a congested layout but would allow for amenities between homes and result in about two houses per acre. However, concerns from the public and the commission ultimately led to a decision to require a revised approach.

Residents voiced a range of concerns, from overdevelopment and strain on local infrastructure to environmental and historical preservation. Many referenced the land’s connection to Civil War history, early Tennessee agriculture, and the nearby St. John’s Episcopal Church, which is one of the few remaining plantation-era churches in the country.

Environmental worries were also front and center. The project calls for a decentralized wastewater system using STEP (Septic Tank Effluent Pump) technology, with a 26-acre treatment facility planned for the northern edge of the development. Several nearby residents expressed concern that flooding, sinkholes, and underground rock formations in the area could lead to septic failures or pollution of nearby waterways.

Other speakers criticized the reliability of traffic studies tied to the development. They argued the research relied on outdated projections and failed to account for recent growth or road closures, warning that increased congestion could put emergency response times and driver safety at risk.

Long-time residents also questioned whether the incoming homes, projected to cost $350,000–$550,000, would be accessible to local buyers. Skepticism grew over whether these new residents would work in Mt. Pleasant at all, with some warning that the development could shift the town toward becoming a bedroom community for commuters.

Utility availability and past annexation promises also surfaced in public comments. Some noted previous city annexations where infrastructure was promised but never fully delivered. Others stressed that future growth must be balanced with the need to preserve the region’s natural beauty, cultural identity, and small-town feel.

In the end, the planning commission agreed to forward the annexation request to the city council for approval but declined to endorse the high-density zoning, asking the developer to return with revised plans aligned with the area’s intended rural preservation and infrastructure capacity.

Old Dynamite Found on Beard Rd Prompts Bomb Squad Response

From Maury County Fire Department’s post…

Saturday Engine 31 (Bethel) and our Special Operations Chief stood by on Beard Rd for several hours due to the discovery of old dynamite. The TN Highway Patrol Bomb Squad responded and mitigated the explosives on site. 

If you ever discover old explosives do not try to move them as they are typically very unstable. 

August 19: Kids Connect Fair

Looking for music lessons, tutoring, sewing or other enriching opportunities for your child - but are not sure what's out there?

Join us for the KidConnect Expo at Acton TriStar Academy.

This unique event brings together local family-focused businesses that serve children- many of which operate without a storefront and are hard to find.

From piano and sewing lessons, to speech services and more, you'll discover amazing resources offered by passionate professionals right here in our community.

Come meet the faces behind these homegrown businesses, ask questions, and find the right fit for your family-all in one place!

You will also have the chance to tour Acton TriStar Academy, a learner-driven, hands-on school helping young people discover their unique gifts and grow into confident, capable heroes.

August 19th at 10 AM
626 Beechcroft Rd., Spring Hill

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Monday, July 14th

Tuesday, July 15th

Wednesday, July 16th

Thursday, July 17th

Friday, July 18th

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

July 26: The Awaken House 1 Year Birthday Party
July 26: 4th Annual Rebel Rouser Cruise-in
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, July 15th

Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley, 4:00 - 10:00 PM
Austin Gray, Rebel Bar & Grill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Open Mic, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, July 16th

Rob Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, July 17th

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Second Chance Bluegrass Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, July 18th 

Live Music, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Rubix Groove, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM
Jason Acy, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Kristy Cox, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Benji & The Jets, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
The Outliers, The Boondox, 8:00 PM

Saturday, July 19th

Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Pickin’ in the Park, Harvey Park, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Song Writers Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
MFT, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
8-Track, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Dust & Daisies, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, July 20th

Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Aaron Sizemore Band, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM 
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Reba’s Hairdo, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill 4:00 - 7:00 PM

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