Council votes against rezoning amid public opposition
JACKSON, Tenn. — The Jackson City Council held their regular monthly meeting Tuesday morning.
It was a longer than normal City Council meeting as many people came to have their voices heard during the public comment period — all of whom were focused on the same item on the agenda.
It was an ordinance to rezone a property located at 10 McClellan Road from a single family district to an office center district.
All of those who chose to speak were against approving this ordinance, because they live near the area.
“Residential is meant to be residential,” a Jackson resident stated. “It’s for a nice area where we can live and operate and be close to our homes without light intrusion, without noise intrusion, without additional traffic.”
And applause was a common response after anyone spoke regarding their disagreement with this potential rezoning.
This is not the first time citizens have come to a City Council meeting to give their input regarding their residential areas.
The City of Jackson Mayor, Scott Conger, spoke about the importance of having a time for the community members to speak their voice.
“We represent the people,” Mayor Conger said. “You also saw Councilman Stovall present numerous emails. I know there was communication with the residents and the council members throughout the last couple of weeks.”
Mayor Conger went on to say that it is always important when community members can get involved, regardless of what side of the vote they are for.
In an 8 to 1 vote, the Council voted against the rezoning ordinance.
There was also a vote to consider a project development agreement regarding a City-owned lot in downtown Jackson. Currently, there is nothing on that property.
The City would give the land to Jackson Hospitality LLC. They are looking to build a hotel there. Mayor Conger talks about what revenue this could bring to the City.
“There will be sales tax, hotel/motel tax. It will go from the mowing costs, not having it will bring us at net zero,” Conger said. “Then you look at sales tax, hotel/motel tax, building permits, construction permits, plan reviews. Those are all revenue generating.”
The Council unanimously voted in favor of this consideration.
During the meeting, Mayor Conger stated that this lot is currently generating only expenses for the city, no revenue.
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