MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — On first reading July 17 the Murfreesboro City Council approved amendments to the DeJarnet Place planned commercial development (PCD) zoning to broaden allowable uses while adding conditions requested by the Planning Commission and nearby residents.

The applicant, Swanson Corporation, sought to update a 2007 plan to reflect current market demand while staff and the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport raised constraints on building heights and uses along the airport flight path. Clyde Roundtree, representing the applicant, told the council the amendments provide “a little bit more flexibility with the future of the development” and reduce building heights near the airport’s glide path.

Planning staff and the Planning Commission conditioned approval on several measures to protect adjacent neighborhoods. The approved conditions include a Type B buffer along the eastern boundary of certain lots plus a 6-foot privacy fence and a minimum tree height of 8 feet at planting; drive-through restaurants were restricted to the west side of Sword Court; and various uses were prohibited near residences and the flight path, including gas fueling stations and large institutional group assembly uses.

Neighbors expressed concern about an existing tree line shared with the development and about access to sewer infrastructure. Darlene Schleicher, a resident of Middleton Lane, said she and other retirees “are concerned about the possibility of having a artisan brewery steps away from our back yard” and asked whether preserved trees would remain. Chris McGuire, the project engineer, said grading had largely been completed, the sewer main runs adjacent to the property and the developer expects to place the buffer on its side of the sewer easement. McGuire added he would work with the applicant to include preservation commitments in the pattern book prior to second reading.

Council members asked staff and the applicant to provide more detailed exhibits before second reading, including mapping that shows the sewer easement, the tree line and the planned fence and buffer. A council member also flagged air-safety concerns tied to restaurant fryers and smoke near the airport approach and asked staff to verify uses and heights before final approval.

Action: The council approved first reading of the ordinance to amend PCD zoning (ordinance 25 Z 24). Roll call recorded unanimous Ayes: Miss Aberwater; Miss Gills Harris; Mister Maxwell; Vice Mayor Schackler; Mister Wright; Mayor Shane McFarland. The matter will return for a required second reading with requested exhibits and clarifications.