McKenzie Planning Commission Approves Subdivision Changes

McKENZIE (February 25) — The McKenzie Municipal-Regional Planning Commission met Wednesday at McKenzie City Hall, approving revisions to the Deerwood Hills Subdivision and a final plat for the Perkins Corporation minor subdivision.

Community Planner Donnie Bunton of the Northwest Tennessee Development District presented the latest plat revision to the Deerwood Hills Subdivision, owned by Marvin Alexander of Martin.

Alexander previously purchased 14.887 acres fronting Como Street and backing up to McKenzie City Park. The commission approved residential development plans in November 2025 for five building lots along Como Street, stretching from Joy Drive toward the city’s pickleball courts. Two homes have already been constructed on parcels adjacent to the courts.

Bunton explained that the February proposal marked the third variation brought before the commission. The original plan included four rear lots served by a single access easement. However, regulations allow only one lot to rely solely on an access easement for road frontage, leading to the denial of the initial request.

A revised proposal presented in November reduced the rear development to one lot served by an easement, bringing it into compliance and earning approval.

The matter returned this month after a neighboring property owner to the south, identified as Mr. Scott, sought to purchase part of the property. The new revision splits one lot and reintroduces a separate easement to serve what will effectively function as a landlocked parcel.

Commission members approved the revised plat, including the easement adjustment.

Commissioners also considered a final plat for the Perkins Corporation minor subdivision on McKenzie’s Highland Drive, where Dollar General, Factory Connection and Subway are located. The final plat involves combining two commercially zoned lots into one.

Currently, the property is split by a lot line running through the middle of the parcel, and zoning districts divide the tract between R-3 (multi-family residential) in the rear and B-2 (general business) in the front.

Bunton said the applicant intends to combine the lots before seeking rezoning to make the entire property B-2. The owner wants consistent commercial zoning in place before marketing the property for sale.

An additional issue involves a narrow tract west of Clark Street that remains part of the same tax map and parcel but has never been legally subdivided. The area, described as primarily a drainage ditch, must be shown on the plat as part of the subdivision process.

Discussion also included the possibility of dedicating that portion to the City of McKenzie. The mayor has inspected the property but has not yet provided an opinion. Bunton noted the tract would likely have limited development potential regardless of ownership.

Commissioners clarified that Wednesday’s vote addressed only the lot combination. No rezoning action was taken. The final plat was approved.

Before the meeting concluded, Chairperson Carol Nanney announced that Commissioner A.J. Maxwell, who was absent from the February meeting, will resign from the board — effective after the May meeting — after being notified of a year-long deployment to the Middle East.