News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville City Council accepted a request Thursday night to postpone an appeals hearing on additional signage for the Old Kentucky Road shopping development.
Developer Wayne Cravens had asked for the hearing after the Planning Commission denied an additional free standing pole sign for a proposed Wendy’s fast food location.
“He is evaluating moving an approved monument sign for this development from lot one to lot four,” Community Development Director Jon Ward said. “He is working with his client to see if they’re acceptable of that.”
The council approved the development with three signs, including two monument signs and one large sign, the main entrance signage occupied by Food City. In the recent application, the developer had requested additional signage along Highway 111 in order to compete with the chains in Algood. Ward said specifically a 20-foot free-standing pole sign had been requested.
City staff could approve the proposed location change. Ward said postponing the appeals request to the January 18 meeting made sense.
“If they do wish to bring this back to the council, the council could hear the appeal,” Ward said.
Two of the three signs originally proposed in the PCD plan for the development have been constructed at the proposed locations, according to Ward. Residents were concerned about additional signage and lighting impacts surrounding the shopping center.
In other business, Council approved the plan to merge the gas and electric department into a new Cookeville Department of Energy. City Manager James Mills said the plan would create cost savings and efficiencies.
“I think it’s a great move by the city,” Council Member Eric Walker said.
The two entities would continue to operate fiscally separate, as required by the city charter, Mills said.
On first reading, Council members approved the rezoning of 1.33 acres on Fisk Road from multi-family residential to Commercial-Industrial Mixed Use. The land is adjacent to the city boundary.
Council reappointed Jim Woodford and Mallie Rogers to new five-year terms on the Cookeville Planning Commission.
Council set a January public hearing on changes to the ordinance regarding RVs in mobile home parks. The public will have the chance to comment January 18. This will be the second time the council has considered changes to the ordinance that governs existing mobile home parks across the city.
The January 4 city council meeting has been cancelled based on the normal work session falling on New Year’s Day.
