News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Putnam County Regional Planning Commission will consider sending a letter to county commissioners requesting opinions about a countywide zoning system.
Commissioner Mike Atwood said it’s important to gauge interest from the 24-member group before planners move forward with studying and possibly creating a zoning document.
“Because I think it’s important that we just identify and issue and ask them to consider that issue and what they might be in favor of doing as it relates to that issue,” Atwood said. “And I may be completely wrong, but I think there is some thought about zoning from some of the commissioners on the commission. This may spur the opportunity for this discussion to come to the floor of the commission. If they say no, that’s OK.”
Planners began discussing a countywide zoning system four months ago. The issue hasn’t been revisited since the county commission voted against a zoning code document more than 10-years ago.
If the county commission has no interest in discussing the topic, Atwood said the planning commission would be doing unnecessary work by revisiting the issue.
Several regional planning commission members appear to support some type of zoning system. Commissioner Phil Wilbourn previously said it’s something he wants to pursue, despite the negative feedback he’s receiving.
Commissioner Ted McWilliams said Tuesday that he favors zoning because of the growth taking place within the county.
“We’re going to continue to grow,” McWilliams said. “If we don’t do it, we’re going to run into more and more problems and this beautiful community, it’s already congested somewhat, is going to suddenly do it a whole lot quicker.”
Putnam County Planning Department Director Kevin Rush has agreed to draft the letter. Commissioners will look to approve and send the letter to the county commission during their March 3 meeting.
