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Franklin County commissioners reject rezoning near Center Grove after residents’ objections
Summary
After a packed public hearing and a petition from neighbors, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners voted 10‑5 to reject a rezoning request for a 1.45‑acre parcel on Old Tullahoma Road (Highway 130) that residents said would add housing pressure to local services and change the rural character.
A rezoning request for a 1.45‑acre parcel on Old Tullahoma Road in the Center Grove area failed in a recorded vote at the Franklin County Board of Commissioners’ April 15 meeting.
The hearing drew multiple residents who said the change from A (Agricultural) to R‑2 (General Residential) would increase pressure on already‑strained local services. Petitioners circulated a Change.org petition and a printed petition presented at the meeting, citing concerns about school capacity, emergency response and loss of rural character.
Several neighbors spoke against the proposal. A petitioner posted online wrote, “I do not want a change. It’s too hard on the community,” and that sentiment was echoed at the courthouse public comment period. The petition also warned that additional residences would place new demands on the area’s schools, fire department and solid‑waste services.
Proponents included surveyor Andy Best and attorney Garth Seagroves representing property owner Joe Denby; they argued the parcel could accommodate limited residential development. Planning and Zoning Director Eric Bradford was asked by Commissioner Charles Keller about lot yields. Bradford said the parcel under current agricultural layout could contain “12, maybe 13” lots as presently mapped, and that the R‑2 designation historically allowed different subdivision patterns, noting that “if approved maybe 2 lots could go on the R‑2” portion under certain configurations.
After discussion, Commissioner Grant Benere moved to approve the rezoning; the motion was seconded by Commissioner David Kelley. Commissioners then voted by roll call. The motion failed to receive a majority: Yes 5, No 10, Did Not Vote 1 (County Mayor Chris Guess), Absent 1 (Johnny Hand). The vote was recorded by the clerk at 7:45 p.m.
The rejection leaves the parcel zoned A (Agricultural). The applicant may seek a revised plan, return to planning staff for further review or pursue other avenues permitted under county zoning procedures. The Planning & Zoning Department materials and the public petition are on file with the county and were included in the meeting packet.
