Commission reviews Moppin Road intersection safety concerns in new subdivision proposal

The Brentwood Planning Commission meeting on April 7, 2025, focused on a proposed road development and its associated safety concerns. The primary discussion revolved around a request for an exception to the standard road design requirements, specifically regarding the stopping sight distance at an intersection with Maupin Road.

Commission members reviewed a side distance analysis conducted by the developers, which indicated that the maximum achievable tangent length at the intersection would be 100 feet, significantly less than the required 300 feet. This analysis was crucial as it assessed the visibility for vehicles turning onto Maupin Road, a collector road where higher speeds are expected. The commission agreed that, given the existing topography and the road's slope, the 100 feet provided would be sufficient for safety, considering the specific conditions of the area.

The discussion also touched on the potential for a roundabout at the intersection. However, it was noted that roundabouts are typically more effective in scenarios with equal traffic volumes from opposing directions, which did not apply in this case. The commission emphasized the importance of maintaining the normal flow of traffic on Maupin Road without unnecessary interruptions.

Additional safety measures, such as warning lights or signs, were deemed unnecessary since the current design met all safety criteria. The commission acknowledged that the main concern would be vehicles exiting the new development rather than those traveling on Maupin Road.

In terms of community impact, the development is expected to include 15 homes, which will have a homeowners association (HOA) due to the presence of common open spaces. The establishment of the HOA will be finalized when the plat is recorded.

Overall, the meeting underscored the balance between development needs and safety considerations, with the commission prioritizing clear sight lines and traffic flow in their decision-making process.