Construction can begin on Smith Terrace, a subdivision to be located in the area of Nashville Highway and Spring Valley Road near Newtown.

McMinnville Housing Authority received final plat approval from McMinnville Regional Planning Commission members. The duplexes will provide affordable housing for the elderly. 

“They submitted a preliminary plat for review in August (2019) and it was approved,” said city planner Katie Kemezis. “They’ve been working over it the last few months to finalize all the civil engineering plans and they’ve also gotten their building permit. I believe they are working on the architectural plans for the project.”

She recommended approval of the final plat.

“In reviewing the final plat, I provided a checklist,” said Kemezis. “It does include all of the elements that we require of a final plat. There are noteworthy changes in regard to the contents of the plat. The preliminary plat did not have an internal property boundary, but this one does. It still meets minimum lot sizes. There are no concerns there from staff.”

Initial construction will include four duplexes and a small community room. Plans for the site also include an office, computer learning room, a recreational area, and library. The duplexes will provide eight, one-bedroom homes for residents age 62 or older. 

It is estimated actual construction will to take between six and eight months.

“First, we will have to advertise,” said McMinnville Housing Authority executive director Patricia Basham. “The bid opening can’t be less than 28 days from the first advertisement. You can generally anticipate three months to actually start digging dirt.” 

McMinnville Regional Planning Commission members unanimously approved the final plat.