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Commission approves large PUD for Barrett-related manufacturing site after public debate
Summary
The commission approved a planned-unit-development rezoning for Whitfield Hamilton at Manchester Pike, clearing a roughly 273,240 sq ft manufacturing site tied to Barrett. Public comment included residents both supporting jobs and opposing traffic and infrastructure timing; vote recorded 20–0.
The Rutherford County Board of Commissioners on May 15 approved a planned‑unit‑development rezoning application for Whitfield Hamilton at 8808 Manchester Pike, a proposal linked in public comment to a planned Barrett Firearms manufacturing expansion.
Planning Director Doug DeMasi described the PUD as a Phase 1 request for a roughly 273,240‑square‑foot light assembly and manufacturing facility on about 170 acres. The pattern book that accompanies the application limits certain heavy industrial uses, requires landscaping, parking and engineered site plans for later construction and says any expansion beyond Phase 1 would require a PUD amendment. The Planning Commission recommended approval by a vote of 9–4–1.
Residents were split at the public hearing. Anthony Caudill, who identified himself as a longtime resident and former state trooper, urged the commission to keep Barrett in Rutherford County and cited the company’s local history and veteran hiring record. "Supporting Barrett Firearms expansion and rezoning is an opportunity to retain a respected long standing local company… and create local jobs, including our veterans," Caudill said.
Others raised infrastructure and environmental concerns. Shirlane Hayes, who said she would live about 1.5 miles from the proposed site, asked the commission to wait for infrastructure improvements and warned of traffic and pollution risks. "This is about a business, a large multi‑development that includes a large factory… Until this is we will be dealing with traffic down the road," Hayes said.
Commissioner Beverly, citing community meetings and amendments made to the plan (including berms and turn lanes), moved to approve the rezoning; the motion was seconded and passed with 20 recorded yes votes.
Why it matters: County staff and several speakers framed the rezoning as an alternative to residential subdivision at the site and as a potential source of skilled jobs and tax revenue. Opponents emphasized the need to sequence infrastructure improvements (notably Epps Mill Road and interchange work) before large‑scale industrial development.
What’s next: Approval of the rezoning moves the project to engineering and permitting phases; the pattern book will govern Phase 1 construction and any expansions will require additional approvals.
