By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The Millington Planning Commission has approved the proposed re-subdivision of a parcel in the southwest corner of the intersection of North Avenue and B Street.
Commission members took the action during their May 16 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Mike Caruthers and seconded by Vice Chairman Brett Morgan.
Charles Goforth, planning consultant for the city, said the parcel is one of the lots in an “old, unrecorded” piece of property called the Chapman subdivision.
He recalled that two lots were previously created on the east side of the intersection, and a new house was constructed across the street.
While noting that the lots are zoned R-2, Medium-Density Residential, Goforth said they are 65 feet wide and more than 8,000 square feet.
Although the developers submitted the re-subdivision as a “minor” plat, he said they are proposing to create three lots there. But only two lots are allowed in a minor plat.
Goforth noted that the street improvements, such as curbs, gutters and sidewalks, are already in place.
Because North Avenue is a “collector” street, he said the planning staff will require dedication of an additional 9 feet of right of way.
Goforth noted that the street will not be widened, but the dedication will be given as part of the plat.
“That will actually create a need to get a variance on the front of the building,” he said, “because it will then be 9 feet. Then, it will be within the building setback line.”
Although water and sewer lines are installed in the street, Goforth said the “big issue” is that the sewer is “very deep” and is an “old clay line” that already has a “slip lining” in it. So, it will be “very difficult” to tap.
He also noted that the developers will have to “cut across” B Street to tap into the water line and then repair the street.
The commission approved the re-subdivision with the following conditions:
(1) An Engineering Plat and Final Plat will be required.
(2) The Engineering Plat must provide sufficient detail on how the cut will be repaired in B Street, and how the sewer and water taps will be made in the street.
(3) A variance will be required on the front yard setback of Lot 1.
(4) Any damage to existing curbs, gutters and sidewalks must be repaired.
Even with the dedication of the street, Goforth said, the house there will not be out of line with the existing ones, which are “very close” and set back to where it is.
He noted that the street will not actually being moved. But to avoid a problem with selling the house in the future, the developers will need to obtain a variance on the corner lot.
In response to a question by Caruthers, Goforth said the Millington Public Works Department will conduct inspections to ensure that the repairs are done correctly.
“Typically, it wouldn’t be an issue here,” he acknowledged. “But with the sewer being so deep, and having to cut our street that deep, there will have to be a bond on this. They’ll have to send us a cost estimate.”
Morgan asked if there is “any reason” why North Avenue should still be categorized as a “collector” street.
“I don’t know if it will ever be extended across the ditch,” Goforth replied. “That was the original intention with the Major Road Plan. But it is on the Major Road Plan as a collector.”
