Cookeville Council approves first reading of rezoning ordinance for 16.98‑acre Highlands Business Park parcel

On Dec. 5 the Cookeville City Council voted 5‑0 to approve on first reading Ordinance 0241125, changing the zoning of a 16.98‑acre parcel identified in the agenda as "30 429 Lee Seminary Road," tax map 64, parcel 71.00, from RS‑20 (single‑family residential) to CI (commercial‑industrial mixed use). The public hearing portion drew no speakers.

Mr. Ward, the staff presenter, said the rezoning area covers 16.98 acres and showed maps and aerial views of the site. "The subject property consists of the rezoning area consists of 16.98 acres," he said, and told the council the parcel had been purchased "by the City of Cookeville and Putnam County in August 2022 to add to the existing property in the Highlands Business Park." He added the city's future land‑use designation for the area is mixed commercial/industrial and that the Planning Commission, "as recommended by the Planning Division, recommend[ed] approval."

Vice Mayor Eldridge moved to approve the ordinance on first reading; Councilman Walker seconded. The council opened the required public hearing, heard no public comment, closed the hearing and then approved the ordinance on first reading by a 5‑0 vote. The motion carried on the first reading; further readings or final adoption dates were not specified during the meeting.

By approving the first reading, the council advanced the item for subsequent procedural steps required by city ordinance and code. The council record shows the parcel is intended to be added to the Highlands Business Park; details about specific development proposals, developers, or permits were not discussed at the Dec. 5 meeting.