Robertson County commissioners reject Clarion Homes rezoning request for Horseshoe Road development

Robertson County commissioners on a regular-session vote declined to approve a rezoning requested by Clarion Homes for about 39.30 acres on Horseshoe Road, a proposal that would have allowed an R-30 subdivision of roughly 38 lots.

The item (Resolution 022425006) came after a 3–2 planning commission recommendation for approval and a lengthy public hearing that drew residents, municipal officials and the project designer. Opponents told commissioners Horseshoe Road is narrow, prone to stormwater problems and already seeing heavy development. "Horseshoe Road is 16 feet wide. They're going to widen it by 2 feet for 750 feet. That's it," said Nicole Taylor, a White House resident, urging denial on safety and infrastructure grounds.

Multiple residents described flooding and drainage concerns downstream and asked the county to pause additional rezonings until roads, stormwater and school capacity are addressed. "We're not against growth, but we are against irresponsible growth," said Paul Farmer, a 32‑year resident of the area, citing constraints on police, utilities and schools.

Developer representatives, including project designer Andy Leith, said the proposal aligns with the county's 2040 growth plan and that lot sizes average under one dwelling unit per acre; Leith also stated the team had completed surveys and soil mapping and anticipated losing some lots once permits and site work were finalized. "This area, according to your plan, is slated for suburban land use character... We are proposing under 1 unit per acre," Leith said.

Commission debate reflected the split: some commissioners said the developer had met planning requests and warned that denying the isolated parcel could create legal exposure; others pressed for more definitive traffic and runoff studies and voiced concern about schools and long‑term infrastructure costs. A motion to table the item for more information failed. The commission then voted on the approval motion; the chair announced the approval motion did not receive the affirmative votes required and "that motion fails." The clerk verbally announced vote counts during the meeting record.

Next steps: the rezoning request remains denied at this meeting; proponents may pursue additional permits, revise the plan, or return with new information in a future meeting.