LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — A Main Street neighbor appeared before the Metro Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday to voice concerns about potential damage from construction traffic at The Retreat at Whiskey Creek tiny home community using a shared driveway adjacent to his property at 1081 Main Street.

Native Jeff Norman explained to the Commission that while the driveway is subject to a legal easement, it was never intended to handle the weight and frequency of concrete trucks.

“The driveway isn’t built for that,” he told officials. “If it gives way, not only would I lose access, but emergency vehicles like fire trucks wouldn’t be able to get up either.”

He also stated concerns about concrete trucks driving off the narrow road and spilling concrete into the nearby Mulberry Creek.

“There’s two or three spots that are already sunken in, a concrete truck could possibly tip over and spill,” Norman told the Commission. “It stays wet just because of the topography of the hill where it drains.”

Moore County Roads Superintendent Shannon Cauble attended the meeting and stated that she shared Norman’s concerns.

“That’s not an appropriate construction entrance,’ she said.

Norman noted that the Retreat site manager had promised an engineering assessment of the driveway’s capacity and indicated that any damage would be repaired. However, Norman questioned how long such repairs might take and whether preventative measures could be implemented instead.

He also suggested the developer consider using the original construction access point on the back side of the property, which is flatter and poses fewer safety risks. Officials at the meeting agreed to reach out to the Retreat project team and encourage a shift in the traffic route.

“We’ll give them a call and see what we can do,” Commission Chair Dexter Golden responded.

Utility trucks currently use the shared driveway without issue, but Norman emphasized that concrete trucks are a different story.

“It’s just those concrete trucks I’m really worried about,” he said. “I’d appreciate a call to see what can be done.”

The Metro Planning Commission meets every first Tuesday of the month. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the County Building. To be added to the public comments section, call the Metro Codes office at 931-759-7068. •

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