The Advertiser News
Spring Hill • Thompson’s Station advertisernews.biz
March 15, 2017
SPORTS
THOMPSON’S STATION PARKS
Thompson’s Station approves master plan for Preservation Park By John Evosevic jevosevic@c-dh.net
Basketball Independence, Columbia Academy move to state. B1
The Thompson’s Station Parks and Recreation Board unanimously approved a “Master Plan” for the conservation and further construction of the aptly named Preservation Park, Tuesday, March 7. The town had acquired this 207acre property in part due to the encroaching development from Franklin to the north and Spring Hill in the south. Consideration was also given to preservation of the site of the 1863 Civil War Battle of Thompson’s Station. The plan seeks to connect greenway trails from the four other major parks in town. According to information presented, the greenway will be a
SEE PRESERVATION P 3
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Projected plans include eventual connection with Spring Hill’s trail system starting at the Tanyard Springs Walking Trail.
Rugby
ALEXANDER FARM
SPRING HILL BOMA
BOMA takes first look at 775-acre development
Spring Hill student plays for USA team in Vegas tournament. B1
REGIONAL
By Jay Powell jpowell@c-dh.net
TDOT State gives updates on roads and bridges. A3 JAY POWELL
Residents at Buckner Place have been dealing with drainage and flooding issues since construction began last summer to improve the stormwater system. The drainage issues are expected to be fixed within six weeks.
County fair Fair Board reveals theme for annual event. A8
SCHOOLS
Environmental impact
Tree Wise program celebrates Tennessee Arbor Day at area schools. A4
UT Science program
Spring Hill student gains handson experience through raccoon tracking. A2
Volume 15, No. 11 2 Sections
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPRING HILL, TN PERMIT NO. 11 POSTAL PATRON
Buckner Place sewer improvements funded
By Jay Powell jpowell@c-dh.net Residents at Buckner Place can breathe a sigh of relief, as the Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted Monday to fund improvements to the neighborhood’s stormwater drainage system. City administrator Victor Lay said the improvements will be completed by city staff, which will expedite the process. Residents can expect the new piping to be in place within the next six weeks, he said. “Our guys have been told we should be in receipt of [the pipe] within seven days,” Lay said. “So we’re going to be out there working on day eight, weather permitting.” Buckner Place was identified as an area in need of drainage improvements following the 2010 floods. Construction on the project began last summer, but did not go according to plan. Residents were left with ditches much steeper than originally proposed, which has
caused an increase in flooding and safety issues. BOMA members recognized the city’s responsibility for the project’s mishap and wanted to see the solution enacted as quickly as possible. “We know we have to fix this, and we will fix this,” Alderman Amy Wurth said. “We’re all committed and understand this project did not go the way we wanted it to go. It will get fixed, will be done in house and we’re looking to do it sooner, rather than later.” The Budget and Finance Advisory Committee discussed the project at length prior to Monday’s BOMA meeting, recommending $184,783.40 from the city’s stormwater budget to order new piping, gravel and installation. Wurth said the city has 15 capital improvement projects in the stormwater budget, 11 which have been completed. By putting Buckner Place
SEE BUCKNER P 3
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen had its first look this week at a proposed development on the 775-acre Alexander property off Buckner Lane, which could be the city’s first planned zoning district. Board members agreed that, since the project is the first of its kind for Spring Hill, and with an estimated scope of 25-30 years, it will likely defer the item in two weeks. This will allow additional time to prepare the first steps the city should take to ensure it is done the right way, including identifying roadway improvements and a clearly-detailed phasing process. The project initially began two
years ago with the goal to create a “gateway” area and provide a unique aesthetic and natural transition for travelers driving into Spring Hill. The Municipal Planning Commission approved the rezone, with a positive recommendation submitted to the BOMA last month. Alderman Jonathan Duda, who also serves on the planning commission, called the project a “game changer” for a community like Spring Hill. He addressed concerns heard from residents earlier in the night about the potential risk in approving a project of this magnitude. “The work that has gone into this, in my opinion, is the type
SEE BOMA P 3
SPRING HILL PARKS
City seeking applicants to fill Parks and Rec. Commission vacancy From Staff Reports
Aldermen on Spring Hill parks and recreation issues. The Commission meets at 6:30 The Spring Hill Board of Mayor p.m. on the fourth Thursday of and Aldermen is encouraging each month in the Spring Hill city residents who are passionate City Hall Conference Room, 199 about contributing to our city’s Town Center Parkway. quality of life through the The open Commission seat has improvement of vibrant parks and a four-year term that expires active recreational opportunities Dec. 31, 2018 and, by ordinance, to apply to serve on the Spring is appointed by the BOMA. Hill Parks and Recreation Applicants must be residents Commission. within Spring Hill city limits to Applications are being accepted serwve. until 4:30 p.m. Monday, March To apply, please fill out the 13, 2017, to fill a vacancy on the online form on our website at: seven-member Commission. http://www.springhilltn.org/ The Parks and Rec. Commission FormCenter/Parks—Recreation-8/ serves as an advisory committee Parks-and-Recreationto the Board of Mayor and Commission-Applicat-45