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Board rejects Nearwater Place change to remove rental restriction; resolution fails 10‑2
Summary
A resolution to amend the Nearwater Place final development plan to remove a blanket rental restriction failed 10‑2 after public comment and alderman debate. Supporters argued market conditions require rental flexibility; opponents warned of precedent and urged honoring original development commitments.
The Hendersonville Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 10‑2 on Aug. 26 to reject Resolution 2025‑28, a request by Real Estate Solutions Group to amend the Nearwater Place final development plan and remove a blanket rental restriction for homes at 220 Nearwater Place.
The measure had been brought to the board after a public hearing. Builder and Hendersonville resident Rob Cushman told aldermen he had personal experience converting for‑sale townhome projects to rental units after repeated interest‑rate increases made sales unfeasible, and he said a rental option could avoid foreclosure and long vacancies. Cushman said his for‑sale townhomes ultimately rented for market rents and that a rental restriction could leave property “languishing.”
Opponents cautioned the board against changing the terms that were part of the original approvals. Betsy McMullen told the board the builder received permission to construct the units with the expectation they would be owner‑occupied and said amending the plan now could set a precedent. Aldermen also noted constituent comments urging the city to preserve neighborhood expectations.
When the board voted, only Aldermen Ward and Evans supported the amendment. The motion failed 10‑2.
Action and outcome: Resolution 2025‑28 (Nearwater Place final development plan amendment to remove rental restriction) — motion failed 2 in favor, 10 opposed. The board left the existing rental restriction in place.
Staff noted the amendment request will not proceed and that any future proposal would need to follow standard plan‑amendment and public‑notice procedures.
Speakers and participants: Rob Cushman (builder/developer and resident), Betsy McMullen (resident), the applicant’s representative filed to speak but did not present substantive testimony during the public hearing. The board’s vote reflects aldermanic concern about precedent and preserving development conditions.
