The Clarksville City Council on Tuesday considered a package of first‑reading zoning ordinances and split on several requests, approving three, rejecting three and referring one back to the regional planning commission.

The council denied Ordinance 40, a request to rezone three parcels on Hickory Grove Boulevard to R‑3 to allow small single‑story houses, after outspoken concern about unit size and neighborhood fit. Councilman Smith said he could not support “600 square feet to 800 square feet to charge someone $200,000 — that's just robbery to me.” The clerk recorded 4 yes, 9 no; the ordinance failed.

Ordinance 41, a separate rezoning to R‑5 for a 14‑unit townhouse plan, also failed after council members raised traffic and design concerns. Proponent Richard Garrett emphasized his experience with affordable units and said layouts include eat‑in kitchens and bars rather than formal dining rooms; the council voted 4 yes, 8 no, 1 abstain.

A commercial rezoning request (Ordinance 42) for land at the North Whitfield/Needmore roundabout failed unanimously, 0‑13, after applicants and council members agreed commercial use near the roundabout was not appropriate.

By contrast, the council approved Ordinance 46 on first reading (7‑6), allowing an R‑3 rezoning at the northern terminus of Bell Road; the applicant, Calvin Ligon, said he has acquired right‑of‑way and committed to widening Bell Road to city standards pending a survey. Several members said a turn‑lane study and follow‑up would be required before second reading.

Ordinance 49 — downzoning a phase from R‑5 to R‑2A to return to single‑family lots — passed first reading 12‑1. Ordinance 50, another single‑family rezoning, passed unanimously 13‑0.

Ordinance 51, a proposed R‑3 triplex project on Rossview Road, drew multiple residents expressing concerns about school capacity and neighborhood character; the council voted to refer the item back to the Regional Planning Commission, 12‑1.

Council members said their decisions balanced neighborhood character, traffic impacts and the applicants’ commitments on design or infrastructure. Several council members urged applicants to work with neighbors on unit layouts and street improvements before final consideration.