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Cheatham County commissioners approve zoning changes, defer Paladino request amid resident opposition to Bells Reserve
Summary
At its March 16 meeting the Cheatham County Legislative Body approved a rezoning for a residential parcel, amended the county zoning rules to set a 1-acre minimum for C‑5 neighborhood commercial lots with public water, and deferred another rezoning after public comments opposing the Bells Reserve development.
Cheatham County commissioners approved two zoning items and amended the county Zoning Resolution at their March 16 regular meeting in Ashland City, while residents used the public forum to press concerns about the proposed Bells Reserve development.
Chairman Tim Williamson opened the public forum at 6:01 p.m., where Linda Ryder, Clay Magness, Jim DeLanis and Deborah Doyle spoke in opposition to the Bells Reserve proposal, urging the commission to consider neighborhood impacts. The public hearing that followed included three advertised zoning items.
The body voted to defer a zone-change request by Anthony Paladino (C‑5 to C‑1 for Map 23, Parcel 64.05) until the April meeting (motion by Tim Williamson; voice vote, 1 absent). Commissioners approved a separate rezoning request from Tracy Baker to change Map 39, Parcel 39 (7224 Old Clarksville Pike) from Agriculture to R‑2 (motion by Chris Gilmore; roll call 11–0; 1 absent).
Separately, the commission amended Appendix A, Table III of the Cheatham County Zoning Resolution to require a minimum lot size of one acre for the C‑5 Neighborhood Commercial, Mixed‑Use District when public water is available. The amendment passed by roll call vote (11 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent).
Why it matters: the C‑5 minimum‑lot-size change changes development standards for neighborhood commercial parcels, which proponents say protects rural character and gives residents clearer expectations for future commercial projects. Opponents of Bells Reserve used the public comment period to press county leaders on traffic, scale and neighborhood impacts; the commission deferred one application, signaling additional review and time for community concerns to be aired or addressed.
What’s next: the Paladino request will return to the commission in April. The amendment to the zoning resolution is effective upon adoption; parties seeking rezoning under the C‑5 designation should consult county planning staff for the revised minimum‑lot rules.
