The Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to deny a rezoning request for 5866 Ivanhoe Road after residents and nearby homeowners urged the board to preserve the property's residential designation.

Kim Taylor, director of Planning and Economic Development, said the parcel is 3.426 acres and the applicant provided a conceptual plan that included a 2,400-square-foot restaurant and an 8,000-square-foot multi-tenant building. Taylor told the board the item went before the Planning Commission on Oct. 5 and was returned with a non-favorable recommendation.

The rezoning drew sustained public opposition at the meeting. Liz Ebers, who said her family owns property nearby, warned: "It's going to be a detriment to the neighborhood and all the traffic on Ivanhoe Road." Amanda Tennyson told the board the proposal "threatens the character, safety and long term integrity of our neighborhood," and said increased deliveries, night lighting and customer traffic would make the adjoining Freeman Park less safe for pedestrians. Joe Thompson said the development would put commercial buildings in view of his home and alter the quality of life in his cove.

Alderman Young moved to deny the rezoning; Alderman Reeves seconded. Board members discussed redevelopment challenges and property-owner expectations in Bartlett before voting. The board clarified that a "yes" vote on the motion would effect a denial. After the roll, the motion to deny was approved by the board and the rezoning did not move forward.

The Planning Commission had advised against approval; residents at the meeting said they were concerned about traffic impacts on Ivanhoe Road, the effect on walkability and the potential for commercial "creep" into long-standing residential neighborhoods. The clerk recorded letters from neighbors opposing the change, and speakers cited vacant commercial parcels elsewhere as alternatives for the developer.

The council did not provide a numerical roll-call vote in the transcript for this item. The motion to deny was moved by Alderman Young and seconded by Alderman Reeves and was approved on the floor. The record shows the board treated the denial as the final action on Ordinance 25-06 for 5866 Ivanhoe Road.