Publix shopping center, two residential developments could come to Boones Creek area

A Publix shopping center and two new residential developments near Boones Creek Road are a step closer to breaking ground after the Johnson City Planning Commission approved their preliminary plats Tuesday. Plans for the shopping center, Boones Creek Promenade, were approved by the Johnson City commission in December. The project is a partnership between the city and Horne Properties. Less than three miles away from the proposed shopping center, plans for two residential developments are in the works. The subdivision, Buckingham Boone Station, would include a 42-lot single family subdivision and a 60-unit duplex development. Boones Creek Promenade The planning commission approved the site plans for the Boones Creek Promenade shopping center in addition to a preliminary plat for future development. According to planning documents, the plat will add nine new lots next to the shopping center at the corner of Christian Church Road and Boones Creek Road. The developers on the project, Horne Properties, are also working with the city to widen the two roads. According to City Engineer Wallace McCulloch, both Christian Church and Boones Creek could widen up to five lanes. "For Christian Church Road... It's going to be built out as if there were five, but we may only pave for three lanes depending on where we are," McCulloch said. "On Boones Creek Road, we're looking at doing five lanes all down through there." McCulloch added that shopping center is aiming to open by Spring or Summer 2027 and that road work would have to be complete before then. John Baker, director of engineering and construction for Horne Properties, also spoke to the planning commissioners about the project. He said he's working with prospective tenants for the other lots that would surround the Publix and there are currently two interested upper-scale restaurants. "We've been looking at those very closely because we want an upper-scale type use —and Publix wants that too." Planning Commissioner Tembra Aldridge expressed her enthusiasm for the development overall and said it is "much, much needed" for the area. "I'll go ahead and make a motion since I think this is a great development. I think it's going to be great for the area, and for the community that lives out there, I think it's much, much needed." The planning commission approved the plat and site plan unanimously. Buckingham Boone Station The city planning commission also saw plans Thursday for two residential developments that would be located less than three miles away from Boones Creek Promenade. The 42 single family lots and 60 duplexes will sit on the corner of Boones Station Road and P Keefauver Road. According to planning documents, the development will require the widening of P Keefauver Road and the addition of five new roads. Planning Chair Chris Dagenhart asked about the timeline for the project and whether the two subdivisions would begin construction at the same time. The engineer on the project, Todd Wood, said there is still a lot of unknowns with the project currently. "I'm not sure they know yet. They may be done concurrently, there's also probably at least a second phase of the single family lots."