Council rejects GP Contractors zoning change for Lafayette Road parcel

The Clarksville City Council on Feb. 6 voted to reject Ordinance 51–20–24–25, a rezoning request from GP Contractors to change a partial property at the intersection of Lafayette Road and Riggins Drive from R‑1 single‑family residential to R‑2A single‑family residential.

The request drew a public hearing. Parker Westman, a representative of GP Contractors, said the proposal was “an infill development” consistent with the regional planning commission comprehensive plan and would put increased residential density near major roads and employers including Fort Campbell. Westman told the council the property currently had a failing septic system dating to 2006 and that connecting sewer to the street would be cost prohibitive.

Council discussion focused on compatibility with surrounding zoning and neighborhood character. Councilman McLaughlin said no R‑2A classification exists adjacent to the parcel along Lafayette Road and argued the area is primarily R‑1, with existing houses set well back from the road. He said introducing R‑2A could lead to similar rezoning requests nearby and asked members to deny the request.

After motions and deliberation, the clerk recorded the vote; the ordinance failed. The council returned to regular session after the result was announced.

The council transcript records the applicant’s presentation, council questions about environmental issues and setbacks, and the final vote rejecting the rezoning request. The record does not show any amendment to the proposal or any direction to staff to return with a modified plan.

Looking ahead, the denial leaves the property in its current R‑1 zoning; the transcript does not specify whether GP Contractors will pursue a revised application or appeal.