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Council advances large 'Freedom Farms' mixed‑use rezoning in first reading
Summary
Clarksville City Council approved on first reading a major zoning package for the Feltner Trust property that would allow a 200‑plus acre mixed‑use project called Freedom Farms, advancing the project toward a likely public announcement after second reading.
Clarksville City Council on Sept. 4 approved on first reading a multi‑zone rezoning request for property owned by the Feltner family that would allow a large mixed‑use project the developer identified as “Freedom Farms.” The measure, Ordinance 14-20-25-26, passed first reading 12‑1.
The rezoning would change roughly 3,600 feet of frontage along Ted A. Crozier Senior Boulevard from R‑1 single‑family and M‑3 light industrial to C‑3 regional shopping center and C‑4 highway interchange districts, clearing the way for large commercial anchors, restaurants and significant residential development on what developers described as more than 200 acres.
Why it matters: The proposal, backed by developers Oldacre McDonald and the property trustees, would be one of the largest private developments in Clarksville and could reshape the Ted Crozier corridor and adjacent road network. Council members framed the vote as a major economic opportunity while some asked for continued attention to traffic and infrastructure impacts.
Developers presented the plan to the council and described expected scale and uses. Attorney Larry Ricconi, speaking for the applicants, said the project would be transformational and emphasized the scale: “The economic impact is monumental. The size of it is 200 plus acres.” Mark McDonald of Oldacre McDonald, the lead developer, told the council the planned mix includes retail, restaurants, health‑care uses and substantial housing: “We expect they include a significant discount retailer, ... over 600 apartments and condominiums,” and later said the residential total could be “under a thousand; 600 is probably the right number.”
Council reaction split along familiar lines. Councilman Chandler said the project is a rare opportunity for Clarksville and urged approval: “Once in a lifetime, something comes up. ... This is a 1 time shot for us.” Several other council members said the developer’s plan and the promise to construct internal roads and signalization at developer expense weighed in favor of approval. Councilman Holloman registered the lone no vote.
Developers said road improvements tied to the project would be built at the developer’s expense and dedicated to the city, and they said the project would extend Spring Creek Parkway and build internal street connections to keep traffic internal to the site. Council members asked that details of those planned improvements and traffic mitigation measures be finalized and available before the second reading.
The council approved the first reading; the rezoning must return for a second reading before any final zoning change takes effect. Developers said they expect to make a major public announcement after second reading, and they asked the council to approve tonight’s first reading so the project can move forward with leasing discussions and tenant recruitment.
Votes related to this item and the broader zoning package occurred across the meeting’s evening session; the ordinance passed first reading by a 12‑1 vote.
