Planning board recommends denial of Eagles Market expansion rezoning after heavy public opposition

The Town of Nashville Planning Board voted to recommend denial of a rezoning request from Majana Empire LLC that would have rezoned two vacant parcels behind Eagles Market from R-10 (residential) to B-1 (business).

Courtney Alstead, the applicant and owner of Eagles Market, told the board the expansion would enlarge the existing convenience store at 802 South First Street, add parking, sell hot food and coffee and create local jobs. "We're not trying to be a big box store. We wanna honor the history of the store while still modernizing to better serve the people around us," Alstead said.

Residents and neighborhood representatives spoke at length in opposition. David Gist II and others read letters and raised long-standing concerns about truck traffic, noise and late-night congregation. James Lee Lynch said he had seen alcohol sales and gatherings near the store and warned of public-safety effects. Ernestine Hill Stevenson and Terry Body Clark emphasized the site's historical importance and urged the board to preserve residential character.

Board members noted the property had been denied rezoning by the planning board and town council in 2023. After deliberation the board made a motion to deny RZ202507; by a show of hands the board recorded five votes to deny and one member in favor of approval. The planning board's denial is a nonbinding recommendation to Town Council; the council will consider the matter at its September 2 meeting, and members of the public were told they may speak again at that hearing.

Next steps: the planning board’s recommendation is advisory; Town Council will hold a public meeting Sept. 2 to take final action.