Council approves annexation and rezoning for Shelton Plaza after neighbors press to move daycare

The Murfreesboro City Council on Dec. 4 approved the annexation of roughly 3.95 acres along Blackman Road and a companion Planned Commercial Development (Shelton Plaza PCD) that envisions a 14,000-square-foot multi-tenant building, including a confirmed dental tenant and a prospective childcare use.

Neighbors who live directly behind the site asked the council to reposition the daycare and playground to the far side of the building to reduce daytime noise and protect privacy. "We did not choose to live adjacent to a commercial activity," resident Jared Gee said, urging the council and planning staff to recognize the different expectations of existing homeowners. Another neighbor, Sadie Rangaraj, said a petition of more than 200 residents opposed the change and asked for the highest feasible level of buffering and visual screening.

Planning staff, including Clyde Rountree of Hills Steel Engineering, described the site's design and the measures proposed in the updated pattern book: two access points from Blackman Road, a stormwater pond between the playground and adjacent homes, a Type D buffer sandwiched with evergreen rows and a fence, and enhanced screening for parking along the roadway. Rountree said the developer has been willing to flip the building so the childcare would be on the southern side if a childcare tenant commits; if no tenant materializes the northern area would remain as green space.

Council members asked staff about setbacks and buffer widths; staff said a 10-foot site setback is shown on the plan but will be superseded by the proposed 15-foot Type D buffer. After public comment and discussion of tree preservation and view corridors, a council motion to approve the plan of services, annexation, and the companion rezoning passed on a recorded roll call.

What happens next: staff said the applicant will provide an updated pattern book before second reading to reflect any commitments about the daycare location and buffering. The council’s approval on Dec. 4 authorizes the annexation and advances the rezoning request to the next reading and additional review.