Planning Commission discusses rezoning 8.95 acres for commercial development near Manchester

In a recent meeting of the Tullahoma Planning Commission, city officials gathered to discuss a proposed rezoning of a property located on Highway 55, adjacent to Roadhill Cemetery. The property, currently zoned for residential use, spans approximately 8.95 acres, and the owner seeks to develop it for commercial purposes.

The discussion began with a presentation from the property owner’s representative, who clarified the need for rezoning to facilitate the commercial development. Questions arose regarding the size of the area to be rezoned, initially reported as 0.12 acres, which was quickly identified as a typographical error. The correct figure of 8.95 acres was confirmed, prompting further inquiries about the implications of the property’s proximity to the cemetery.

Commission members deliberated on the zoning classifications surrounding the site, noting that the cemetery itself is zoned RS 1, a designation typically reserved for residential areas. This raised questions about the appropriateness of placing commercial development next to a cemetery, although it was acknowledged that the cemetery is unlikely to seek a rezoning of its own.

The conversation also touched on the surrounding properties, including a nearby industrial park and a house owned by a local resident, which is currently unoccupied. The representative assured the commission that outreach had been conducted to adjacent property owners, with no opposition reported to the proposed changes.

As the meeting progressed, members expressed a general consensus that the commercial development could be beneficial for the area, especially given the existing industrial context along Highway 55. The commission's discussions highlighted the balance between residential and commercial interests in Tullahoma, as they navigate the complexities of urban planning and zoning regulations.

With no objections from neighboring property owners and a clear vision for the future of the site, the commission is poised to make a decision that could pave the way for new commercial opportunities in Tullahoma, while also respecting the historical significance of the adjacent cemetery. The outcome of this proposal will be closely watched as it unfolds in the coming weeks.