Quinn Ridge development near Collierville approved — again
The Quinn Ridge development near Collierville has been years in the making.
Now, it’s back where it was in 2018: The large development of half-milliondollar homes once again has approval from the Shelby County Commission, this time by a 7-6 majority.
The 177-acre development, located in what used to be known as the Collierville reserve annexation area, has faced strong opposition from the Town of Collierville and residents of the area who have criticized the plan’s density, particularly since it is in a largely rural area.
It came before the Shelby County Commission in 2018, when it was approved by a different set of commissioners. It was then vetoed by outgoing mayor Mark Luttrell.
After that veto, developer John Porter began discussion with Collierville officials about annexation and an altered plan — but that also faltered, and Porter returned to Shelby County with his original plan.
That vote failed before the Shelby County Commission in February, supported by just four of 13 commissioners.
At the time, the Town of Collierville told commissioners it couldn’t provide fire or other emergency services to the development if it was approved.
Last week, commissioners were told that the 543-home development would take roughly 12 years to complete. If a roughly equal number of lots were built each year, the project would net the county about $18.4 million in property taxes during that time period, according to a cost analysis conducted by the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Planning and Development
However, if a new fire station had to be built, that money would have to go entirely toward the station, ultimately costing the county about $2.7 million during the 12-year period, with the county not breaking even until year 14.
And, if new elementary, middle and high schools were required, the county could lose up to $139 million, even after 12 years of revenue collection. However, developers plan to market the development for “empty nesters” and retirees.
They also lowered the number of homes in their plans from 543 to 450, something developer John Porter said was a “good compromise” related to the fire concerns. That will also have an impact on property tax revenues for the county, since projections were based on
the 543 figure.
Commissioners Van Turner, Tami Sawyer, Michael Whaley, Reginald Milton, Willie Brooks, Jr., Mickell Lowery and Eddie Jones, Jr. voted in favor of approving the development, while the other six commissioners voted against.
Attorney Ricky Wilkins spoke on behalf of the Town of Collierville, saying that the town would prefer that the developer continue working with them to ensure it be “compatible with the surrounding area.”
Tanja Hodges, who lives in a subdivision built by Porter, said she wishes plans for the county and the Collierville area would be adhered to.
“We have neighbors, residents who have searched years upwards for lot sizes to build their dream homes,” she said.
Others expressed concern about the lack of services for a development this large in a rural area.
“I don't know what has changed or what would justify anyone of you to change your votes. This project is just as bad as it was before,” said Charles Belenky. “If they're marketing it to that over-50 crowd, where's their pharmacy? Where's their market? Where's their doctor?”
According to the proposal, the resolution authorizes the developers to file applications to acquire the permits and approvals needed to begin work on the land. All conditions imposed by the commission will have to be met, including that the homes have a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet.
A traffic study shall be required to determine the effects of trip generations on Quinn Road and Holmes Road and the effect on the neighborhoods.
The plan is for sewer and water services to be provided by Marshall County. Both Shelby County and Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division reserve the right to deny those services to the development in the future should Marshall County cease offering them.