Walker Said Planning Commission Looked For Best Outcome

Cookeville City Council Member Eric Walker said the Monday night decision made on a Spring Street quarry rezoning seemed the best possible outcome.

Walker serves on the planning commission, which granted the rezoning at the corner of I-40 and Spring Street.

“I think the planning commission was making the decision that needed to be made,” Walker said. “The quarry process would take place in the bottom of a pit versus higher up on a hill outside in the county where there is no zoning. And so in this case, the planning commission sided with a lot of the residents in that it would be least impactful to the area.”

Numerous residents complained about blasting in the area. Walker said the city really has no control over blasting, noting it is an acceptable way to clear land.

“I think that we had a tremendous number of the community who live directly in that area, come to the meeting last night and voice their concerns with the blasting,” Walker said. “You know, any time a construction site is built or, you know, development is built, blasting is certainly an option for them. And the state Fire Marshall is who controls blasting requirements and regulates that industry.”

But with the blasting and the damage caused, according to residents, by the multiple companies who quarry in that area, could it truly be an area for economic growth? Both the quarry owner and members of the planning commission said so Monday night.

“I’m not sure, and that’s a very good question,” Walker said. “The logic for the developers, you know, blasting this and demo-ing the area to build a suitable commercial site is certainly something that that was pushed last night. I’m not really sure how that affect it. But, you know, in California, they design buildings for large earthquakes. So, you know, I’m sure that it can be done.”

Walker said he appreciated the input of residents. He noted the city council will look at the issue next month when the rezoning comes before that board.

“With ongoing concerns and and things, I just encourage the residents of the residents to reach out and and discuss the issue with their representatives,” Walker said. “My numbers are always available on the city website and I’m open any time.”