Lebanon Planning Commission supports rezoning request for 1.3 acres on Lane Road

The Lebanon City Council convened on July 1st, 2025, to discuss several key issues impacting the community, including a significant rezoning request and a proposed amendment to zoning codes aimed at accommodating data centers.

One of the primary topics was a request from Megan Adam Brewster to rezone approximately 1.3 acres at 350 Lane Road from rural residential to RS 9. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of this request with a unanimous vote of 9-0. However, community members raised concerns about the potential implications of this change. A resident, Dear Dodson, expressed worries that approving this rezoning could set a precedent for higher density development in the area, potentially leading to an influx of over 350 houses and increased traffic on already congested roads. Dodson urged the council to reconsider the zoning request, suggesting that it could negatively impact the character and traffic flow of the neighborhood.

In addition to the rezoning discussion, the council also addressed a request for a zoning code amendment to define data centers and establish them as a conditional use in the Light Industrial District. This amendment, which also received a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission, aims to facilitate the development of data centers in Lebanon. Byron Gill, representing developers interested in a 46-acre parcel on Sullivan's Road, highlighted the economic opportunities that a data center could bring to the city, emphasizing ongoing discussions with various stakeholders to attract such businesses.

The meeting underscored the balancing act the City Council faces in managing growth while addressing community concerns about density and infrastructure. As Lebanon continues to develop, the outcomes of these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the city and its neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged as these proposals move forward, ensuring their voices are heard in the decision-making process.