Planning board advises approval of RZ202601, forwarding rezoning to council

The Town of Nashville Planning Board voted on Feb. 24 to recommend approval of rezoning case RZ202601, forwarding a favorable advisory recommendation to the Town Council.

Staff and the Technical Review Committee recommended approval for RZ202601, explaining the 2021 comprehensive plan designates the parcel for neighborhood‑service (O&I/ONI) uses. Staff told the board that rezoning to O&I can allow adaptive reuse of the existing building for neighborhood services and make the parcel more marketable while the applicant indicated no immediate plan for major redevelopment.

Several neighbors spoke during the public hearing, referencing a previously proposed development that had been rejected in 2020 and expressing concern about potential multi‑unit development and flood risk. Kenneth (728 Westview Court) and James Harrell (707 South Bass Drive) said they wanted assurances about scale and compatibility with the existing neighborhood.

The board discussed those concerns but accepted the staff explanation that O&I is intended to support neighborhood services and that larger redevelopment proposals would require additional reviews (TRC, site plan and permitting). A motion to approve RZ202601 without conditions passed; the advisory approval will be considered by the Town Council at a future meeting for final action.