Council postpones Bellamy Lane rezoning after sewer-connection concerns

Clarksville City Council on first reading postponed consideration of a rezoning request for two parcels at the eastern end of Bellamy Lane after city staff explained how a new sewer line could trigger monthly sewer charges for adjacent properties.

Developer representative Richard Garrett asked the council to approve rezoning two parcels from AG (Agricultural) to R‑4 (multiple‑family residential) to build a purpose‑built, predominantly single‑story housing development intended to serve older adults and people with physical or intellectual disabilities. Garrett said the project differs from typical apartment projects: “It’s not a traditional apartment complex. It’s a purpose driven housing designed to meet a critical and growing need in Clarksville.”

The project team said they expect to build primarily ranch‑level units and estimated a preliminary unit range between about 35 and 45 once engineering and surveys are complete; Garrett also noted that the paperwork on file lists 58 multifamily units for the underlying zoning request.

Why it mattered: Council members raised a procedural and financial issue that they said merited more time. City Utilities staff explained that when a new development extends sewer lines past existing properties, Tennessee law and local practice can create a billing obligation for those adjacent owners even if they do not physically connect. Clarksville Gas and Water representative Pastor Mark Riggins told the council that customers within an accessible range who can “catch by gravity” will receive a sewer bill within about 60 days after the line becomes operational; Riggins said the city generally would not force a physical hookup if a property relies on a functioning septic system but would still bill in most accessible cases.

Discussion and public comment: Several council members asked about unit count, access and buffering. Councilman Shekinah asked how many units were planned; Garrett replied the final number depends on a revised survey and engineering but “anywhere between 35 and 45 is what we’re anticipating.” Council members sought clarity on access (Garrett said one entrance from Bellamy Lane), ADA compliance, and adjacency to a baseball park. A nearby resident, Marty Harrison of 607 Bellamy Lane, spoke in favor, saying he and other neighbors had met with the developer and did not anticipate traffic or noise problems.

Action taken: Councilman Lovato moved to postpone Ordinance 6 (the Donnie Ray Plaster Jr. rezoning request) to the September regular session so staff could provide more detailed information on sewer access, potential costs to neighboring properties, and any available mitigation. The motion to postpone carried on a roll‑call vote (11 yes, 1 no, 0 abstain). The ordinance therefore did not advance on first reading at this meeting.

Next steps: Council asked staff to provide additional figures and legal clarification about when and how adjoining property owners will be billed, and to return the item for the September regular session per the successful motion to postpone.