Learning Zone childcare facility approved, Whataburger deferred by Spring Hill planners
A new Learning Zone childcare facility has received its final approval following Monday's meeting of the Municipal Planning Commission.
The new 13,775 square-foot facility will be located on 2.67 acres at 216 Town Center Parkway and was submitted by SEC Inc.
With the approval, city staff issued five conditions associated with the project. These include the site plan approval being valid for a period of three years, and any modification would likely require further planning commission approval.
The approval must also be provided to Spring Hill planning staff no later than 30 days following Monday's meeting. SEC must also develop a left-turn lane onto the development following a traffic impact study. The applicant must also utilize water taps administered at Kinsale Drive.
The Murfreesboro-based Learning Zone is described as a uniquely-designed preschool and daycare, which will serve families with children ages six weeks to five years of age. The school currently operates multiple locations in Murfreesboro, Nashville, Gallatin, Mt. Juliet, Lebanon and Smyrna.
Whataburger deferred to July
Another item on Monday's meeting was whether Spring Hill would become the newest city for the popular Whataburger franchise restaurant.
More: Whataburger drive-thru restaurant proposed for Main St. in Spring Hill
The site plan was previously discussed during the planning commission's May 23 work session, where concerns were brought forth regarding the applicant's decision to forego the traditional sketch plan prior to the final approval.
"We prefer to have everything 'buttoned up' as much as possible," Planning Commission Chairman Jonathan Duda said during the May meeting. "I'm not comfortable providing design review decisions that are somewhat objectionable, although we have design review guidelines for our city."
There were also concerns regarding the building's design and elevation, as well as its access to and from the heavily-trafficked Main Street.
"It starts with the transportation access to the site, and the improvements that are necessary at this intersection, and then it comes to things like where the building is facing and the elevation," Duda said. "With the alignment of the building, this is something we would have done at sketch plan or concept plan."
The proposed Whataburger, which would be located at the former Burger King at 4933 Main St., adjacent to Publix and SunTrust Bank, was ultimately requested to be deferred by the applicant, MS Consultants.
The deferral was approved unanimously by planners and will appear as part of the commission's July voting meeting.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Learning Zone childcare facility approved by Spring Hill planners
