The Cookeville Board of Zoning Appeals will discuss with the Planning Department potential street changes to Womack Avenue.
That after the board approved a setback variance for three proposed lots. Community Development Director Jon Ward said he recommends approval, but would be subject to additional review by Public Works for any hydric soils issues or any necessary street improvements for a proposed terminus. Ward said the increase in density could cause further problems on the narrow street.
“You know it’s already a difficult issue for Solid Waste pickup,” Ward said. “I think the trash trucks are having to, you know, back down the street or do it on one side, so they will evaluate that and see if it’s, you know, whether they can service it at the current, or whether we would need improvements to provide services.”
Ward said a partial hammerhead turnaround and a sidewalk would likely need to be installed to handle the density. Chairman James Dial said similar issues with picking up trash are pretty common throughout Cookeville.
“Along the lining, neighborhoods I am associated with, they still have to back down into like a coldesac area,” Dial said. “So it’s not an uncommon practice from what I’ve seen.”
Ward said it is not ideal for garbage trucks to have to back down a street to pick up garbage on the other side of the street. Ward said the developer is willing to dedicate the right-of-way for the changes should they be needed.
One Womack Avenue property owner asked where rainwater will go because the area is flat and constantly has water around it. Ward said it is difficult for water to find its way out on the street.
“They have looked at it, you know, there may be some necessary improvements required, right,” Ward said. “And we will just have to talk to our Public Works folks and see what their recommendation would be.”
Ward clarified to the public that the action item did not approve the plat, but simply approved the variance in the setback.
The variance will allow an estimated 71-foot setback rather than the minimum 75-foot setback established in the city’s zoning code.
