a day ago
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.'
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