By Tabitha Evans Moore | Editor & Publisher

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — Residents living along Majors Cemetery Road raised concerns on Tuesday’s about traffic safety and road conditions as county officials considered a rezoning request related to a nearby land development.

The issue surfaced during the February 3 Metro Planning meeting, when a property owner requested approval for an add-on plat involving the acquisition of an additional acre of land. While the request itself did not seek approval for new driveways or a subdivision, neighbors said the change could eventually lead to multiple new driveways accessing an already narrow and hazardous road.

The plat review in question was for a combination of lots for Aaron Nunley along Majors Cemetery Road on Map 043 Parcels 012.01 and 010.01. Nunley seeks to combine two lots — one he already owns with one currently owned by Randy George — for the development of up to five homes being built by area developer Isaac Zimmerle.

Several residents attended the meeting specifically to listen to the agenda item and voice concerns about future access points. Resident Marcy Smith told the board that Major Cemetery Road is narrow, features steep drop-offs, and contains blind spots that make entering and exiting driveways particularly dangerous. According to neighbors, vehicles pulling onto the road often have limited visibility, increasing the risk of collisions.

Residents also expressed concern about the topography of the land involved, noting that driveways would climb steeply from the road and potentially place drivers directly into traffic without adequate sight distance.

“It’s a good spot for goats,” one quipped.

Some urged county officials to physically visit the area to better understand the road conditions and safety risks before approving changes that could lead to additional access points.

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Request before them limited in scope

Planning and zoning officials acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that the request before them was limited in scope. Metro Planning Chair Dexter Golden explained to the group that the board was not being asked to approve a subdivision, driveway placements, or construction plans. Instead, the agenda item concerned only the transfer and consolidation of acreage between neighboring parcels.

Board members explained that under current county regulations, property owners are allowed access to public roads provided they meet existing guidelines. Without a submitted development plan showing driveway locations, widths, and sight lines, the board stated it lacked the authority to deny the add-on plat based on hypothetical future uses.

Officials further noted that any future proposal involving subdivision of the property or construction of multiple residences would require a separate review process. At that stage, detailed plans showing driveway configurations and road frontage would be subject to additional scrutiny, including road safety considerations. Residents would have the opportunity to attend those meetings and provide input if and when such plans are formally submitted.

Following discussion, the Planning and Zoning board voted to approve the add-on plat request. While the decision cleared the way for the property owner to proceed with land acquisition, officials stressed that no approval had been granted for new driveways or residential development at this time.

When asked for an opinion, Metro Roads Superintendent Shannon Cauble responded, “I am familiar with the area, but I do not know where the one acre is located. But if it gives them more road access, then it’s probably okay.”

Cauble did state that she would visit the site for more information once the driveway location have been decided.

Resident Smith, who did not speak up during the public comments portion of the meeting but who was allowed to address the Commission stated, “My concern is that our road, Major Cemetery Road, is very narrow and the piece of property, the one acre that they are speaking of runs parallel to it. It’s a steep decline from there. So, any driveway that would go off of that road, once they come up that top of that driveway, they’re in the road. There are also blind spots. So, unless we’re prepared to widen that road to accommodate these driveways, it’s going to be very, very unsafe.”

“I mean it’s a public road,” Zimmerle responded. “As a public road, and we have the same permission to connect to it that y’all have.”

“I understand your concerns,” Chair Golden responded to Smith. “But it’s hard for us to sit here and tell somebody what they can and can’t do with their property. All we can do is try to follow the guidelines to a tee. He’s not asking us to approve a subdivision. He’s not asking us to approve driveways. He’s asking us to just approve an add- on to the lot.”

The combination of lots was approved unanimously by all seven members including Chair Golden, Jim Crawford, Angelica Lightfoot, Scott Fruehauf, Jeff Ross, Bobby Carroll, and Jimmy Hammond.

Residents were encouraged to monitor future agendas and request to be placed on the agenda if they wish to formally address the board during subsequent review phases. County staff emphasized that safety concerns related to road access would be evaluated if and when a development proposal is submitted.

The Metro Planning Commission meets every first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the County Building located at 241 Main Street in Lynchburg. The next meeting takes place on March 3. We will post an agenda as soon as we receive it. If you’d like an item added to the agenda, contact the Metro Codes offices at 931-759-7068 at least 10 days prior to the meeting. There is also a public comments section at every meeting. •

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