The largest current construction project in Millington is starting to take shape at the corner of West Union and Highway 51 North. The Forked River Commons shopping center broke ground last summer and has gone through phases with the foundation being established. Early in 2023, Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen passed an ordinance on first reading that would re-zone property north of West Union Road. Board members took the action during their Feb. 14 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Don Lowry and seconded by Alderman Larry Dagen. The motion was passed by six affirmative votes, with Alderman Thomas McGhee absent. The proposed ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing and final reading at the board’s March 14 meeting. It would re-zone 11.07 acres north of West Union Road approximately 500 feet west of Highway 51 from R-1, Low-Density Residential, to B-2, General Commercial. At its Jan. 18 meeting, the Millington Planning Commission voted to recommend the re-zoning. Charles Goforth, planning consultant for the city, said there are two large parcels of land north of West Union. He noted that both this site and the one to the east are proposed for construction of a new commercial shopping center between the First Baptist Church and Highway 51. Although the parcel along Highway 51 is zoned B-2, Goforth said the site between it and the church is R-1. Retail stores committed to Forked River Commons since last summer are Hobby Lobby, pOpshelf, Ulta Beauty, Aldi, Burlington Coat Factory, Old Navy, and TJ Maxx.
