Rogersville aldermen approve rezoning of Morelock 8th Addition amid conflict-of-interest claims

The Rogersville Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance on May 18 to rezone the Morelock 8th Addition to R-3, with Aldermen Pyle, Clarkson and Lee voting in favor and Alderman Stucki voting no.

The ordinance (Bill No. 04062026A) was read for first and second time and passed by roll-call after a short debate over the site’s future use. Supporters, including Alderman Pyle and Mayor Cole, said the property has sat vacant for about six years and that multifamily housing would produce property tax revenue and help attract retail by adding rooftops. “It has sat empty for around 6 years with no potential commercial in the near future,” Mayor Cole said in recommending approval, according to the meeting minutes.

Opponents warned rezoning the parcel to R-3 could remove the site from future commercial use and reduce long-term tax potential. Alderman Stucki said commercial development could deliver greater tax revenue than R-3 housing and that nearby neighbors view commercial zoning as a better fit.

The debate recorded in the minutes also summarized public comment from an earlier meeting. Morelock Builders representatives presented data they said supported residential zoning for the Logan Estates area; attorney Bryan Wade outlined legal criteria for rezoning and raised a specific allegation about the planning and zoning chair’s involvement in prior discussions and a later application, suggesting a potential conflict of interest. Tatyana Osenniy, identified in the minutes as the Planning and Zoning chair, responded that she does not vote except to break a tie and said she did not vote at the November meeting that was referenced; Administrator Chad Bybee confirmed there was no tie requiring her to vote.

The council’s action completes the first and second readings and adopts the ordinance as recorded in the May 18 minutes. The measure passed 3–1; the meeting adjourned at approximately 7:15 p.m.