This article has been updated with additional information.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Around 20 acres of land off Hornbuckle Road is looking to be rezoned in Clarksville, which would make way for a John Deere dealership with an estimated project budget of around $45 million.
Exit 11 Properties is the applicant, and they have asked for 19.89 acres on the southwest frontage of Hornbuckle Road to be rezoned from C-4 to C-5. During their latest meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission said the property is currently under a purchase and sales agreement with the intended use to bring a John Deere, heavy machinery dealership to the local community.
Larry Rocconi, who is the agent for the proposal, told Clarksville Now $15 million out of the project budget is supposed to go toward land and improvements, while the other estimated $30 million will go toward inventory at the site.
Around 35 jobs would also be included with the development. The Planning Commission also noted the Street Department indicated improvements to Hornbuckle Road may be required at the further development of this property, which includes the intersection at Highway 76.
The Tennessee Valley Authority also commented on the rezoning case by saying their transmission line easement sits on the property, as well as their powerlines, said the RPC.
Staff recommends disapproval
“I will point out this is in the Sango Planning Area; the future land use map indicates that this should be regional commercial,” said RPC Deputy Director John Spainhoward Jr. “Staff recommendation is for disapproval. This request is not consistent with the overall goals and objectives of the adopted Clarksville-Montgomery County Comprehensive Plan.”
Spainhoward did say that an adjacent property owner reached out to the RPC to let them know they support the request.
‘We only want what is best for the area’
Rocconi spoke on behalf of Exit 11 Properties and told the Planning Commission that he has been in their shoes and understands nothing represents more peril than a zone to C-5.
“The people who are asking to sell it have lived in Clarksville, worked in Clarksville and make their living in Clarksville,” said Rocconi. “We only want what is best for the area and surrounding communities.”
Exit 11 Properties have turned down multiple offers for the property sitting on Hornbuckle Road but wanted to be a good neighbor first and foremost by limiting the impact it’ll have on surrounding neighbors, said Rocconi. “There’s not many of these places around here … If you have one of these pieces of equipment and you need it serviced, you will bring it to Clarksville.”
Rocconi finished his time by saying for the contract to move forward, it has to be rezoned. Brad McCoy, with McCoy Construction & Forestry, spoke in favor of the proposed rezoning, as well as Cecil Morgan.
No members of the public spoke against the proposal and when it came time to vote, the Regional Planning Commission voted to recommend the rezoning for approval with one member of the commission sustaining.
The rezoning will be discussed at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 30.