The Gallatin City Council convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss significant developments impacting the community, particularly focusing on the proposed expansion of the Savannah Marketplace. The meeting highlighted a request for approval of an amended Planned Master Development Plan (PMDP) and a revised Final Master Development Plan (FMDP) for the second phase of the marketplace, which encompasses nearly nine acres of commercial property.

The proposed changes include the addition of two new buildings, a reduction in overall square footage by approximately 8,000 square feet, and an increase in restaurant space. However, the plan also seeks to implement an alternate parking strategy that would provide 25 fewer parking spaces than required by city code, raising concerns among council members about potential parking shortages in the busy area.

City staff expressed reservations about the site design, particularly regarding the layout of driveways and parking areas, which could lead to conflicts and congestion. They have requested a shared parking study from the developers to ensure that the site can adequately accommodate the anticipated traffic and parking needs of future tenants.

Ken Knuckles, representing the property owner and developer, acknowledged the staff's concerns and indicated that they would work on addressing the comments and resubmit revised plans by July 14. He emphasized that the new design would include drive-through options for the restaurants, which could alleviate some parking concerns by reducing the number of customers needing on-site parking.

Council members voiced their support for the additional restaurant space but stressed the importance of ensuring sufficient parking to meet the demands of the growing marketplace. The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing development with community needs, particularly in areas experiencing rapid growth.

As the council moves forward, the outcomes of the shared parking study and subsequent revisions to the development plans will be crucial in determining the future of the Savannah Marketplace and its impact on local residents. The council's commitment to addressing these concerns reflects a broader goal of fostering sustainable development that benefits the entire Gallatin community.