Lebanon proposal for hundreds of homes near Five Oaks faces intense scrutiny

The Lebanon Planning Commission gave a negative recommendation to a controversial housing development plan that would be part of a golf course community called Five Oaks at an emotional public meeting Tuesday.

The Meadows at Five Oaks is a proposal to build 274 homes on nearly 107 acres right by the existing Five Oaks neighborhoods just off Highway 70 and east of State Route 109. The project is near properties along Horn Springs Road.

The Planning Commission’s nonbinding negative recommendation came after more than an hour of public comments with area residents overwhelmingly speaking against the project.

Final approval or denial will next be decided by the City Council, which will hold two readings needed to pass the project. The commission's negative recommendation forces the applicant to formally request City Council approval since The Meadows at Five Oaks would alter Lebanon’s Specific Plan zoning designation, according to city officials.

Attempts to reach David Weekley Homes about whether the developer plans to continue to pursue approval for The Meadows at Five Oaks weren't immediately unsuccessful. But Lebanon Councilor Phil Morehead has pulled his support after advocating for the project.

The applicant would have until Aug. 2 to let the city know if the request will move forward, Lebanon Planning Director Paul Corder said.

“I was pleased that the Planning Commission listened to the community and voted to not recommend this development,” Horn Springs Road resident Michael Hershey said. “That said, there is the possibility the developer may choose to still have it reviewed by the City Council and we will be watching and ready to speak up as a community then as well.”

About the plan

The approvals David Weekley Homes is seeking include property annexation into Lebanon’s city limits, a rezone and a future land-use plan amendment.

The developer’s master plan for The Meadows of Five Oaks would extend Five Oaks Boulevard, providing two connections to Horn Springs Road and an additional option for those residents to get in and out.

Five Oaks Boulevard off Highway 70 is the only way in and out of the Five Oaks communities. Lebanon Councilor Phil Morehead has said that can be problematic for residents and potentially dangerous in emergency situations. Five Oaks has been proposed to have more than 500 single-family homes, townhomes and apartments.

What residents along Horn Springs Road said

A number of Horn Springs Road area residents spoke to planning commissioners at the meeting. Many were emotional over concerns with traffic and stormwater impacts to the road and how the proposed density doesn’t fit the area.

"Preserve our countryside and our character," and "you can't drive down Horn Springs Road and tell me this fits," were among the pleas and comments from speakers to the Planning Commission prior to the vote.

“Well, I am relieved that the (commission) voted for a negative recommendation, but I am also worried about the continued potential for a City Council approval if the developer elects to continue the process,” Horn Springs Road resident Ken Christian said. “There were a lot of concerned people present, and the emotion and energy from the affected residents was evident in the speeches given and the response from the crowd.”

Council member for area pulls support

The Meadows of Five Oaks plan is for a senior community, ages 55 and older, with 164 single-family homes and 110 townhomes.

Morehead initially advocated for the project because of the potential to give Five Oaks an added entrance option. David Weekley Homes also announced plans to offer a contribution to improve The Club at Five Oaks that includes the golf course, which Morehead said could help the membership club "reach its full potential," and raise property values.

But then Morehead posted on social media: "The one thing I did not consider however, was the impact to our neighbors on Horn Springs Road. After listening to all the issues last night from residents and neighbors I've decided to pull my support from the annexation of this land."

There was also discussion of a pending sale of the golf course to a group of investors at a community meeting on The Meadows at Five Oaks plan earlier in July.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Lebanon proposal for hundreds of homes near Five Oaks faces intense scrutiny