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Hendersonville board annexes 22.38 acres, narrowly approves rezoning to office after heated public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with multiple neighbors opposed, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved voluntary annexation of two parcels and approved a rezoning ordinance (second reading) to establish an ‘office’ zone for 22.38 acres near Stop 30 Road by a recorded majority (9–3). Residents warned the change could enable commercial uses in the future; church leaders said the proposal aligns with the city’s land use plan.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on May 26 approved a voluntary annexation of two properties at 1402 and 1410 Kingdom Way and, on second reading, adopted an ordinance rezoning the 22.38-acre tract to an office designation after extended public comment and council debate.
Neighbors spoke at a public hearing that opened before the council’s vote, urging the board to preserve the property’s current residential character. “Changing it to…commercial really doesn’t seem to benefit anyone other than the property owner,” said David Kger of Huntington Place, who said nearby residents feared future commercial encroachment and long-term changes to the neighborhood’s character.
Representatives of Cornerstone Church and other supporters countered that the church sought to align the parcel with the city’s future land use plan and said they had no immediate plans to sell. Alan Jenkins, speaking on behalf of the church, said the church’s intent was “to be good neighbors” and stated “we have no intention of selling the property currently.” Pastor Gunner Franks of Cornerstone Hendersonville reiterated that the church does not intend to be a negative presence: “This is the city I grew up in…we are obviously going to do what’s best and most advantageous for the church, but we feel like this is the best plan for the city.”
City staff and council members spent much of the debate on two issues: the limits of a straight office zoning (which, in this zoning classification, can include uses such as independent living and hotel/motel) and whether annexation gives the city control that the county would otherwise have. Director Keith Free told the board the request had been reviewed by the planning commission and that the city’s future land use plan supports an office designation for the site. When asked whether a hotel could be located under the proposed office zoning, staff confirmed that a hotel/motel is a permitted use in that classification.
Several aldermen said they supported annexation to ensure the city, not the county, governs future use. Others said the straight zoning allowed too many unspecified uses and would prefer a planned-unit development (PUD) that could limit uses. Alderman Collins said she would vote against the rezoning because “straight zoning…allows for a lot of uses that in my opinion would be a little too close to Windrest,” referencing nearby homes that would abut the site.
Council action: Council approved the voluntary annexation resolution (Resolution 2026-14) by unanimous vote. On second reading the rezoning ordinance (Ordinance 2026-06) passed by a recorded majority; the meeting transcript records the final tally as 9–3. Staff said the ordinance will be published, recorded, and the city will notify state agencies before updating official maps.
Why it matters: The decision brings the parcel under city zoning and removes county control over future rezonings. Supporters said the office designation fits the long-range land use plan and would be unlikely to be developed quickly; opponents said the straight zoning leaves future residents vulnerable to commercial or higher-intensity uses.
What’s next: Staff will record the ordinance and notify state agencies. The planning, zoning and development process for any future project on the site will follow city procedures and public-notice requirements.
