Council backs first reading for Murfreesboro Road acreage to shift from open space to interchange commercial

The Lebanon City Council approved first reading to recommend an amendment to the future land-use plan that would change about 6.91 acres at 1928 Murfreesboro Road from RPO (preservation/open space) to CI (interchange commercial) in the urban growth boundary.

Tammy Walpole, who said she lives at 4407 Old Murfreesboro Road and co-owns the land, asked the council to approve commercial designation so the existing family business can expand. “We run sure fire fireworks and all about holidays. We're just basically we're cut out of room. We would like to, you know, use the current house there for offices, to give us a little bit more room and expand some,” Walpole said.

Haskell Evans, who identified himself as the current commissioner for the district that includes the property, urged the council to support the application, saying the business has operated for many years, is bordered by industrial or utility uses on one side and that expansion would better serve families who visit the site during the fall season.

Planning Commission recommended denial at its March 25 meeting (recorded in the staff summary). The council approved the first-reading recommendation on a voice vote after a motion by Councilor Burdine and a second by Councilor Bridal. The item is recorded as Order Number 257193. Council members also noted that because the parcel lies outside the city limits, the council’s action is an advisory recommendation to the county, which will make the final determination.

The request was presented as a way to allow an existing seasonal business to expand office and service space; no specific site plan was adopted at the meeting.