CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – City Council members voted again to deny a proposed rezoning that would have allowed about 550 new homes on Powell Road.
Dozens of residents attended Thursday night to oppose the rezoning from agricultural to residential. The property near Rossview High School is surrounded mostly by residential zoning and other subdivisions. A similar application was denied by council members in 2019.
The rezoning application by Dan Johnson, a non-resident landowner, would have allowed for the development of a new subdivision on Powell.
Council members voted 8-5 against it. No votes included Jason Knight, Wanda Smith, Travis Holleman, Wanda Allen, Karen Reynolds, Stacey Streetman, Ashlee Evans and Mayor Joe Pitts. Yes votes included Richard Garrett, Vondell Richmond, Dajuan Little, Wallace Redd and Trisha Butler.
Todd Morris, the prospective buyer for the property, said the development would provide a solution for several existing traffic issues on Powell. Morris said his project would widen roads, incorporate a three-way stop at a currently dangerous curve and work toward a new spur that would ultimately connect to Dunbar Cave Road.
A connector from Powell to Dunbar Cave Road is part of the 2020+ Transportation Plan with a $16 million price tag, according to Ward 1 council member Garrett, who called the deal a “win-win.” If the developer builds the spur instead, it will be done at no cost to taxpayers.
Ward 10 council member Streetman, who represents Powell Road, asked the dozens of residents opposing the rezoning to stand.
After the vote, the residents met outside council chambers with Morris. Both parties expressed that there were no hard feelings. Morris, who has several projects underway locally, said property owner Johnson would have a much harder time selling the property under its current zoning.
“I hate it more for the guy that owns the land that’s in Texas,” said Morris. “All the other properties around there went for top dollar, and he has a corn field.”
Powell Road resident Pam Klomfas, who spoke against the rezoning, cited safety concerns as well as her doubt that adjacent landowners would sell the land needed to build spur connections to Dunbar Cave Road.
“We are not against progress,” Klomfas said told Clarksville Now. However, she said, “what they say and what they do are two different things.”
Johnson cannot resubmit his rezoning application for one year. Klomfas said residents are prepared to oppose any future attempts at rezoning.
Clarification: The developer is proposing a spur that would be part of a series to connect to Dunbar Cave Road. The city’s plan is to build a new connector road, according to Garrett. The article has been updated for clarity.