Smyrna council approves rezoning to allow artist studios while preserving sanctuary

Smyrna Mayor and Council on Monday approved a conditional rezoning to allow artist studio space, a continuing sanctuary use and a residence at a former church property on Spring Street (Land Lot 559).

Planner Joey Saabs told the council the planning commission recommended approval and staff proposed conditions including restricting uses to those compatible with mixed‑use, bringing the existing building into compliance with life‑safety and ADA requirements, restriping the parking lot for ADA compliance, and requiring substantial compliance with the submitted site survey for any future development.

The rezoning application, filed by Robert Harrison, drew support from neighbors and community members during the public hearing. Harrison said the project will convert classroom spaces into eight artist studios in a middle building, later divide the fellowship hall in the rear into smaller studio spaces, keep the sanctuary for a resident congregation that will continue to meet every other Sunday, and preserve a house on the property for a long‑time resident. He also said the project had generated local demand: "We had 24 reservations paid, ready to go from the neighborhood," he told the council.

Resident Lemmy Ward, who lives three doors from the property, testified in support and told the council the proposal would stabilize the neighborhood and avoid overdevelopment. "I know Robert well, and I know he's going to be a good steward of this property," Ward said.

Councilman Lindley moved to approve the rezoning; Councilman Welch seconded. The council approved the measure 6‑0 (Councilman Lindley, Councilman Welch, Councilman Pickens, Councilman Gould, Councilman Oglesby and Councilwoman Hines voted yes; Councilwoman Wilkinson was absent). The staff conditions listed at the hearing require the owner to have the existing building inspected by the fire marshal and to bring it into compliance with ADA and life‑safety standards; parking to be restriped to meet ADA requirements; and any changes to the approved survey or new structures to return to council for approval.

Council members thanked Harrison for outreach to neighbors and for planning community uses, including a neighborhood garden and space for teaching and small public classes. Councilman Lindley said he appreciated the applicant's advance engagement with neighbors and the planning commission's review.

The rezoning was recorded on the council docket as Z25‑002 and will proceed with the conditions read into the record.

Details from the council record: the middle building will contain eight studio spaces plus a break room and ADA‑compliant restroom; the back fellowship hall is intended for future conversion into small (approximately 12' by 12') clean‑arts studios and at least one larger room reserved for classes; the sanctuary will remain a house of worship per a deed restriction and the applicant's plan; one on‑site house will remain occupied by an original congregation member.

The council opened and closed the public hearing on the item before taking the vote.