Council Approves Final Reading on East 10th Rezoning

Cookeville City Council voted to approve the second and final reading of a planned commercial rezoning along East 10th Street Thursday.

The rezoning was originally brought forth by Titan Development to create a new retail facility on the property.

Council also approved a shared-cost agreement with Titan Development to expand East 10th Street from two lanes to five, including a center turning lane and eastbound turn lanes onto Old Kentucky Road and the proposed development.

Councilman Eric Walker said agreements aren’t typical for most rezonings but was necessary for this specific project.

“I don’t necessarily think that all developments have to enter into a cost-share agreement to get developed,” Walker said. “I think one of the things that we heard most from the very beginning was the traffic on 10th and the city’s ability to do something in the short term in that area. ”

Walker said he took time to consider the history of the East 10th Street area and noted its constant changes since the late 1800s.

“This is an area where a lot of communities have been established for some time now,” Walker said. “And when that happens, it’s important to take the residences’ concerns and really move them to the top. I think we’ve done a good job with that.”

Councilman Charles Womack added the widening of East 10th is only the beginning in helping alleviate current traffic issues.

“It’s going to be a very expensive proposition, and the fact that we can get the developer help the City of Cookeville with that first step is a good thing for both parties,” Womack said. “I think this is just the first step towards helping go from an ‘F’ during rush hour to a ‘C’ or a ‘D’.”

Several restrictions regarding the project will go into effect once the retail buildings are constructed. The rezoning prohibits businesses such as tattoo parlors and night clubs, and requires a sound barrier along the southeast and southwest corner of the property.

Council members approved both the rezoning and the shared-cost agreement 4-0 with Vice Mayor Laurin Wheaton absent from the meeting.