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Christman property annexation and rezoning to neighborhood commercial moves forward for further review after residents cite safety concerns
Summary
The board took first reading of ordinances to annex and rezone the Christman property near Karen Drive and Lebanon Road to allow neighborhood commercial uses; residents said county had previously rejected commercial proposals because of safety and traffic concerns.
At first reading, the Mount Juliet Board of Commissioners on Jan. 13 considered ordinances to annex roughly 3.53 acres known as the Christman property (map 54, parcels 63–65) at 9127 Lebanon Road and to rezone a portion of the site on Karen Drive to neighborhood commercial (CNS). The items were placed on first reading; commissioners set the ordinances for future hearings and review.
Resident concerns Several residents spoke during citizen comments urging caution. Mike Weston, who said he received notice in the newspaper that the item was back on the agenda, reminded the board the issue had been considered in 2020 and referred to the county, which voted unanimously against the commercial proposal on safety and traffic grounds. “What's changed? Traffic's heavier. The safety issue is even more extreme,” Weston said, and asked the board to consider that before approving commercial uses connecting to Karen Drive.
Clyde Hicks and other Verona Hills residents said the land provides a wooded buffer behind their homes, citing concerns about blasting, wildlife loss and increased through traffic if Karen Drive is opened. “We have concerns about blasting. We have concerns about the elimination of wildlife,” Hicks said.
Planning and process notes The ordinances for first reading were read into the record and will return for later considerations. Planning staff noted the item was set for first reading as part of a packet that included other annexations and rezones; staff will continue technical review and follow statutory notification requirements.
Outcome No final zoning or annexation decision was made at first reading. The board read the ordinances and referred the items for the standard review process, which will include staff comments and future public hearings as needed.
Why it matters: The proposed neighborhood commercial zoning would allow uses distinct from the surrounding low‑density residential parcels and could add traffic to an already constrained Lebanon Road/Karen Drive intersection. Residents asked the board to consider school access, road capacity and safety before any final approval.
