Cheatham County commissioners deny two rezoning requests after public opposition

Cheatham County commissioners on Jan. 24 denied two rezoning requests after residents raised concerns at a public hearing and the planning commission had recommended denial.

At the meeting in the General Sessions Courtroom, the body rejected a request by representatives of Khushi Partners, Elsa Ariesanti and Melisa Hudson Wells, to change a property at 2839 Highway 12 North from R2 to C3. Property owner Amanda Bell spoke in opposition; applicant representative Rastgo Hawrami said the company conducts research nationwide, ‘‘does not do anything to harm animals,’’ and would provide educational opportunities to high school students. Commissioners voted 8–0 to deny the change (motion by Commissioner Tim Williamson; seconded by Ed Greer).

The commission also denied a separate rezoning petition by Ciara Properties to rezone 5196 Highway 41‑A from E1 to R3. Residents in the area, represented at the hearing by Randy Reeves, told commissioners they opposed the change. That motion also passed 8–0 (moved by Tim Williamson; seconded by Diana Lovell).

Both requests had previously been considered by the Cheatham County Planning Commission, which recommended denial of at least one of the applications as noted in the hearing record. No formal conditions or modifications were offered on the floor; the commission recorded no split votes — the roll-call tallies for both denials were 8 yes, 0 no, with four commissioners absent.

The county chair opened and closed the public hearing as required; the commission moved on to other agenda items after the votes.