Council Approves East 10th Rezoning As Citizens Express Concern

Cookeville City Council approved an amended commercial rezoning request Thursday for property along East 10th Street.

Titan Development plans to build a shopping center on the 14-acre property which would include a grocery store.

East 10th Street resident Amanda Carlen was one of over 20 residents who spoke out against the decision.

“I’m sure that Titan has been working on this for a really long time, and this is a lot. I’m impressed with what they’ve done,” Carlen said. “It’s not that I think what they’re wanting to build is ugly, or that it wouldn’t look good somewhere. I’m just saying it doesn’t look good here. It’s not a good fit for here.”

Judge David Patterson lives near the proposed project site. He pleaded his case with City Council against the rezoning.

“I feel like you came into this office with an understanding of why you love Cookeville and what was important to you, and I think you’ve lost that,” Patterson said. “I’m not trying to be disrespectful. I’m just trying to help you understand that these people and Cookeville asks for the security of our neighborhoods and our homes. That’s what we’re asking for.”

The council approved the ordinance 4-0 with Mayor Ricky Shelton being absent from the meeting after injuring his leg in a fall last week. Two amendments were made in order to address potential flooding, traffic, and noise issues with the project.

The second and final reading of the ordinance will take place during the council’s next meeting on Thursday, Jan. 17.