Cookeville planning staff presented a rezoning request for 208 East Stevens Street at the Dec. 4 council meeting, and the council approved first reading.

Mister Ward said the parcel is about 0.2 acres (0.25 acres including right-of-way) and that the rezoning would allow the existing nonconforming office to expand and create an on-site parking lot, eliminating dangerous backing movements onto East Stevens Street. "The future land use plan designates the property as best suited for local commercial and mixed-density residential uses," Ward said. He added the Planning Commission recommended approval and staff concurred.

The council opened the public hearing, received no public comment, then moved and approved the ordinance on first reading by a 5–0 vote.

Why it matters: Rezoning will permit the property owner to combine adjacent parcels, expand the building and construct on-site parking to address existing off-site backing hazards.

Next steps: The ordinance was approved on first reading; subsequent readings or administrative steps will follow per the city’s zoning procedures.