Latest news with #GreenevilleMunicipalAirport
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Developer asks court to intervene over proposed development near Greeneville airport
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — A land developer is asking a court to reverse actions by the Greeneville Municipal Planning Commission regarding a proposed residential development near the Greeneville Municipal Airport. Land Star Development claims the commission improperly halted the project after multiple prior approvals over the past few years. The company purchased 106 acres with plans to build a 200-plus home development there, known as the Bohannan development. According to Land Star, the company closed on the property in July 2022 after the Planning Commission and City Council approved rezoning the property to allow for the proposed high-density residential development. Land Star contends that since then, the Planning Commission and City Council have allowed the project to move forward at several stages, including approving the annexation of the property, reviewing a conceptual site plan, and vacating a right-of-way. But according to Land Star's complaint, the Planning Commission denied a grading plan and permit request on March 11, 2025, after several neighbors spoke against the project. The company argues that the commission lacked the authority to deny the permit and that the project met all requirements, regulations and ordinances. 'The planning commission's decision was based on the placating negative public sentiment about the proposed development, which in turn was based on unfounded speculation concerning potential noise complaints and safety concerns of airplane failures, and lawsuits that could cause the airport to shut down,' Land Star's court filing states. The company said the town's planning director had previously discussed the proposed development with an airport official and reported that there were no concerns about the development affecting the airport. Land Star is also asking the court to reverse an April 8 vote by the Planning Commission to 'wholly deny the planned unit development project at the Bohannon property.' 'When the Bohannon development plan was rejected on April 8, 2025, the proposed plan complied with all applicable zoning requirements, ordinances, and regulations,' Land Star said. According to the company, it has spent $2.4 million to date on developing the property, including $1.4 million for its purchase. 'The expenses incurred by Land Star would not have been incurred if the Planning Commission had previously indicated that the proposed development would not be approved,' the legal filing states. News Channel 11 reached out to the town for a response to Land Star's filing. 'The Town does not comment on an active lawsuit the Town is a party to,' City Manager Todd Smith said in an email. 'The Town's attorney will respond to the petition filed in Chancery Court.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Daniel Boone's Gavin Pearce 300th student to solo fly with the F.L.I.G.H.T. Foundation
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — High School senior Gavin Pearce completed his first solo flight Sunday at the Greeneville Municipal Airport, marking the 300th successful student solo flight made possible by the non-profit F.L.I.G.H.T. Foundation. Pearce, a senior at Daniel Boone High School, completed the common student-piloting milestone in which he was completely alone in the plane during an entire flight— what many call earning his wings. His family, instructor, friends and teachers from Daniel Boone watched on as he boarded, took off and landed the plane. Pearce told News Channel 11 that he sees learning to fly the same as riding a bike. Two local middle school teams make TMSAA State Tournament 'It's like anything,' he said. 'You study, you learn, you just learn from experience, I guess. And after that, I mean, it's like a piece of cake, really.' Pearce noted that piloting an aircraft is no simple feat, and his instructor and founder of the F.L.I.G.H.T Foundation, Lt. Colonel Bill Powley, made things as easy as possible. 'I mean, it's luck of the draw (being the 300th solo flyer), but Colonel Powley is amazing. There's no reason in my mind that he shouldn't have more than 300. So if anybody's watching this and you know, you're thinking about it, Colonel Powley would be the way to go if you want to get into this career.' The non-profit was founded by Powley in 1992 and has since gone to be an instruction hub for students at more than 30 schools. The foundation provides instruction to teenagers through grants. Pearce officially marked the 300th student in the foundation's solo flight program to earn a certification. The next step for Pearce is to attend Averett University to study aviation and play basketball for the school. He said he hopes to turn aviation into a career. For more information about the F.L.I.G.H.T. Foundation and how to get involved, visit or call (423) 502-1605. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
