Residents urge commission to reject Pettway Road rezoning as planning commission recommends approval

Chair opened the workshop and staff introduced a rezoning request from Adam Proppitt to change roughly 7.8 acres at 3026 Pettway Road (Map 67 Parcel 17) from agricultural to R‑1. Planning staff said the planning commission recommended approval 5–1 and noted the parcel is not in a special flood hazard area and has public water access.

Residents at the public forum pressed the commission to preserve farmland and protect water resources. "With all due respect, I think this is a horrible idea for our area," said Lisa Kanakken, who lives on Narrows of the Harpeth near the parcel, adding that the land should remain agricultural or become parkland to protect the Harpeth River State Park. Richard Sadles and other speakers warned that soils along the creek do not "perk" well for septic systems and that development could harm the creek that feeds the Harpeth River.

Michael Harris, who said he grew up farming in the Pettway Road area, told commissioners the community values its rural character and fears rezoning will prompt additional sales and subdivision: "Once certain people see the zoning, they're gonna think, well, it's a lost cause." Planning staff and commissioners discussed how R‑1 designation could change lot yield, noting subdivision regulations, road frontage and perk tests determine how many buildable lots would ultimately be allowed.

The chair clarified the workshop does not include final votes and that the Pettway rezoning will be on the full commission agenda for the Oct. 20 meeting when commissioners may vote. The planning commission recommendation and public opposition will be part of the record for that meeting.