Plans for a new music/band room and other classroom renovations at Elizabethton High School were approved by the Elizabethton Regional Planning Commission with little discussion.
Members of the planning commission met in a special called meeting Thursday night to consider approval of site plans for the building improvements.
The plans call for a new music/band room to be built on the west side of the campus near the existing band room, which will be renovated into four classrooms and an additional practice or storage space. The new construction will include a music room for chorus and band practices and an ensemble room for smaller group practice sessions. The new space will also house two offices, a music library and work area and additional storage.
After the role was called, Chairman Paul Bellamy opened the floor for public comments, but no one stepped forward to address the commission.
Director of Planning and Development Jon Hartman then brought the site plan approval before the commission, saying he would be willing to answer any questions from the commission regarding the project. He also noted Elizabethton City Schools Assistant Superintendent Richard VanHuss and a representative from the construction manager for the project were available for questions as well.
Commission member Dena Bass asked Hartman about the landscaping plan for the project.
“A landscaping plan does not really apply,” Hartman said. “There is no street frontage and it is a small addition.” He did note the project included a provision to replace any trees that were removed for the construction to be completed.
Bass said she also had a question regarding curbing around the loading dock area, but said her question had already been answered by VanHuss.
Seeing that there were no other questions from his fellow commissioners, Ron Kirby made a motion to approve the site plans as presented. The motion was seconded by Vicky Manuel and passed unanimously on a vote.
Prior to Thursday’s meeting, VanHuss told the Elizabethton Star if the plans were approved by the commission, the school system would be able to move forward with the project, in a manner similar the stadium project.
The construction manager, GoinsRashCain, would put the project out for bids, VanHuss said. After bids are opened, the cost would be approved by the Elizabethton Board of Education and then work could start on the new band/music room.
“Hopefully, we will start work in March,” VanHuss said.