Cheatham County authorizes purchase of Sycamore Square shopping center

Cheatham County’s Legislative Body voted Oct. 16 to authorize purchase of the Sycamore Square shopping center and empowered County Mayor Kerry McCarver to execute a sale contract. The decision followed public comment calling for more information and a failed attempt to table the purchase for 30 days.

During the public forum, Wade Reed (6th district) asked commissioners to postpone buying Sycamore Square until “more information is gathered and more advertisement was done,” and other residents spoke on unrelated community items. A motion to table the purchase for 30 days failed by roll call, 2 Yes, 9 No, 1 Absent. The body then approved a motion by Tim Williamson, seconded by Eugene O. Evans, Sr., to authorize purchase and allow the county mayor to execute a sale contract; that motion passed by roll call, 10 Yes, 1 No, 1 Absent. Gary Binkley cast the lone No vote; Shanon Pickard was recorded absent.

The authorization follows a presentation from Mayor Kerry McCarver earlier in the meeting. The commission’s vote is a formal direction for the county to proceed with the purchase; the minutes record no amendment to the motion and show the mayor was authorized to execute the sale contract. The meeting record gives no further details on purchase price, financing, closing dates or contingencies.

The commission heard additional public remarks at the same forum: Hadley Williams asked commissioners to consider a memorial for John Mayfield, and Sandra Gregory announced community events including a Veterans Day parade on Nov. 5. The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.