A townhome development can move forward after the Cookeville Planning Commission approved a rezoning request Monday.
Developer Aaron Bernhardt said he plans to build 11 apartments and 17 townhomes at the corner of East Jere Whitson Road and North Washington Avenue.
“They will be all brick, stone, and hardy plank construction with lots of greenery,” Bernhardt said. “There are 11 apartments in the very center, and that’s the ones that we will give elevation to and make them look like two-story houses.”
The commission voted to rezone the 4.8 acre property from Local Commercial (CL) and RS-10 (single-family residential) to RM-14 (multi-family residential). Planning Director John Ward said Berhardt originally submitted the request as a redevelopment area overlay (RAO).
“This request was withdrawn from consideration due to the underlying RS-10 zoning not allowing townhome development,” Ward said. “The RM-14 District is intended to provide a high-density multi-family residential environment in areas where public sewer is available. Multi-family residential development permitted by right in the district. Single-family attached dwellings are a use permitted on review by the planning commission. A density of 3,000 square feet per dwelling unit is allowed in the district.”
The development plans indicate that East Jere Whitson will be the only way in or out of the complex. Residents in the area expressed concerns about the development causing increased traffic and stormwater problems.
The commission voted 8-1 to approve the rezoning during Monday night’s meeting.
