A proposed 156-lot subdivision and new commercial development along two of Atoka’s busiest corridors are set to go before the Planning Commission Monday night.

Maple Woods Village expansion under review

The largest item on the agenda is Maple Woods Village – Section C, a proposed subdivision located south of the existing Maple Woods Village neighborhood, about 0.3 miles south of the intersection of Maple Drive and Westerfield Drive.

The project includes:

• 156 single-family homes on approximately 75 acres

• Density of about 2.08 homes per acre

• Roughly 29.65 acres of open space

The developer is also requesting a variance to allow:

• Narrower 28-foot collector streets

• 9.5-foot grass strips

Town staff is recommending deferral, citing several issues that must be addressed before approval, including:

• Floodplain discrepancies compared to FEMA maps

• Three proposed lots within the floodplain

• Drainage concerns affecting neighboring lots

• Water capacity limitations and sewer routing concerns

• Street layout issues, including overly long blocks

Until those items are resolved, the project is not expected to move forward. 

Ace Hardware proposed along Atoka–Munford Avenue

A new Ace Hardware store is proposed along Atoka–Munford Avenue.

Plans include:

• A 12,000-square-foot retail building

• Development on approximately 1.57 acres

• On-site parking, landscaping and internal access drives

• A new entrance from Atoka–Munford Avenue

The project is consistent with commercial development patterns along the corridor and will be reviewed for compliance with site design and infrastructure requirements. 

Last week, news about the hardware co-op’s plans were discussed on social media, prompting one of the owners to defend the store and her intentions online:

There was recently a post about us opening up shop in Atoka that was met with some rather nasty feedback that really caught me off guard. I remember what it was like opening in Oakland and being treated as the outsider. I’m a person just like you. I have a family just like you. I work for my money just like you. This didn’t come out of thin air and I am not some imaginary figure.

I understand that Atoka is changing and it isn’t what it used to be. Oakland changed and grew. So did Arlington. So goes life. I’m not coming to your town as some big bad corporate giant to take out the little guy. I was the little guy not that long ago. I’ve built a reputation and a team that has allowed me to now open multiple stores – not by luck or on accident – but by doing the hard stuff that most people won’t.

All that to say that I hope you’ll give us a chance. Come hang out in Arlington or Oakland. You’ll never have so much fun buying a screw or a toilet flapper. See you next year.

Commercial development planned on McLaughlin Drive

A new commercial project combining healthcare and food service is proposed for Atoka McLaughlin Drive.

Plans call for:

• A 10,300-square-foot multi-tenant building

• An Elite Dental office

• A Green Frog Café with a drive-through

• An additional retail space

The project previously received approval from the Board of Zoning Appeals for a drive-through and setback variance. The Planning Commission will now consider the full site plan. 

Updates at Atoka Railroad Adventure

At the Atoka Railroad Adventure property, 70 Michael Avenue, the commission will review:

• A freestanding replacement sign, which meets zoning requirements

• A banner sign permit

• A related site item tied to the property

Because the proposed signage complies with town regulations, these items are expected to be routine approvals. 

Also included is a proposal for a 1,200-square-foot accessory building.

The structure would:

• Measure 30 by 40 feet

• Be constructed of metal to match the existing building

• Include no plumbing or electrical

Staff recommends approval with conditions, including maintaining a minimum 5-foot setback from the property line.

Additional sign requests across Atoka

Several businesses are seeking approval for new signage, though specific addresses are not listed in the agenda packet:

• Dirty Soda

• Dot n Dash

• Fairway Home Mortgage

• Treasure Hunt

• Law Office of Paola Palazzolo

These requests are typically approved if they meet size, height and placement requirements under local zoning rules. 

What to know

The Atoka Municipal–Regional Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Town Hall, 334 Atoka–Munford Ave.

You can download the meeting packet here: https://aptg.co/Stg0kN