Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cheatham County approves zoning resolution amendments after large public outcry over Bells Reserve Resort
Summary
After more than an hour of public comment, the Cheatham County Legislative Body approved amendments to the county zoning resolution, despite broad opposition from residents about a proposed Bells Reserve Resort and concerns about expanding commercial uses in rural areas. The vote was 10-2 on April 20.
The Cheatham County Legislative Body voted 10-2 on April 20 to approve proposed amendments to the county Zoning Resolution after a prolonged public comment period dominated by opposition to a proposed Bells Reserve Resort.
More than a dozen residents from multiple voting districts spoke during the public forum and again during the public hearing phase, urging commissioners to block expansion of commercial development in rural areas and to adopt zoning protections. Speakers named in the record included Alicia Mayes, Jaci Whitaker, Jeremey Whitaker and several others who said they feared traffic, environmental impacts, and a precedent for more intensive development of rural land. A smaller number of residents expressed support for the proposed resort.
Commissioner James Hedgepath introduced the resolution and moved for its approval. County Attorney Michael Bligh told the body that Planning Commission review was not required because the measure would not change the Zoning Resolution’s text in a way that triggered a re-referral. Commissioners debated whether the Planning Commission should have had additional opportunity to consider the item; Commissioner Mike Breedlove questioned why the Planning Commission ended discussion without a vote.
Chairman Tim Williamson then entertained a motion to call the question. That motion passed, and the original motion — to approve the resolution of the County Commission on proposed amendments to the Zoning Resolution — was approved on a roll-call vote: 10 Yes, 2 No. Commissioners Diana Pike Lovell and Mike Breedlove recorded the only ‘no’ votes. The County Clerk’s roll call is part of the official record.
Why it matters: The change is framed by supporters as a protection of the county’s existing growth plan and a way to preserve rural land uses; critics said the amendments were rushed and would open the county to commercial resort development in areas residents expect to remain rural. The amendments were adopted despite steady, sometimes emotional public comment that commissioners acknowledged during the meeting.
What’s next: The resolution is the county’s formal position on the proposed zoning approach. Any future rezoning request for specific parcels will still be considered under the county’s permitting and review processes. Several speakers said they plan to continue attending hearings and meetings as specific project applications move forward.
