CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – An application to rezone close to 4 acres from AG to R-4 multiple family residential was introduced to the Clarksville City Council at their executive session on Thursday. Several members shared concerns about the project.
The proposed rezoning is for 3.96 acres transitioning to R-4 at the end of Bellamy Lane to the north. Regional Planning Commission Director Jeffrey Tyndall told the council it is an extension of the multifamily to the north and to the east.
“The applicant’s statement is for a townhome development,” Tyndall said. “The Planning Commission did recommend approval of this request; it is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and there is an extension to the east and to the north. And it’s next to a park, which we thought was a good place for multifamily housing.”
Concerns about traffic Bellamy Lane
Councilperson Joe Shakeenab told Tyndall he had heard concerns on both sides of where the site is located. “The concern the residents have is the traffic right there on Bellamy Lane. You have some pockets of residential to the west of this proposed development,” Shakeenab said.
“Then, further west, you have some apartments that managed to get approved and developed over there. But the residents that are there, they are already feeling the pressure of the traffic at Bellamy Lane.”
‘It doesn’t mean the property can’t change hands’
Councilperson Jerry Haywood said that his concerns relate to the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, and Rossview Elementary being at 114% enrollment capacity with 11 portable classrooms in use.
“Their (CMCSS) comments said that the development adding additional students could require additional infrastructure and funding,” said Haywood.
Councilperson Ambar Marquis said she had spoken with the individuals looking to develop the site, and she was told their plan is to build a hybrid assisted living facility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Councilperson Deanna McLaughlin said the council needs to remember when they vote on a zoning reclassification, they need to plan for worst-case scenario, “because there is no such thing as conditional zoning. Just because someone says they are going to do something now, it doesn’t mean the property can’t change hands and end up with something different.”
What’s next
The City Council will next meet on Thursday, Aug. 7, to vote on the proposal.
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