Public Hearing Over Zoning Change On W. Broad Monday

The Cookeville Planning Commission holds a public hearing Monday on a proposed zoning change in the Highway 70 corridor.

Planning Director Jon Ward said future land use of a property on West Broad Street near County Farm Road and Royal Oak Drive is the reason.

“The residents have submitted a request to rezone the property, and also requested that the planning commission consider an amendment to the plan to identify that area as better suited for local commercial development,” Ward said.

Ward said the property is one of the few along Highway 70 that is zoned low density residential in the 2030 land use plan. Since then, utilities appropriate for businesses has been extended to the area. Ward said heavy damage from the March tornado also changed the development pattern.

“With the devastating tornadoes impacting our communities, that area was one of the most impacted areas in the city limits of Cookeville,” Ward said. “Most of the structures were destroyed or damaged or demolished. There are only a couple of houses remaining in that area. The residents have submitted a request to rezone the property and also requested that the planning commission consider an amendment to the plan.”

The Cookeville Planning Commission received a zoning change request in 2019 for the same property, but it was ultimately denied. The in-person hearing at city hall will begin at 5:30 with limited seating.

Ward said anyone not available to come can submit their feedback to the planning department office to be read during the hearing.