Planning commission backs landowner's request to downzone farm to A2 preservation

The Wilson County Planning Commission voted to forward a positive recommendation to the county commission for Michael Swope's request to downzone roughly 108.88 acres at 2021 Bobo Road from A1 (agricultural) to A2 (agricultural preservation).

Swope told the commission he wanted to preserve farmland and establish a 3.6-acre minimum lot size; he noted that the property currently lacks public water and is landlocked except for an easement. Planning staff said the A2 designation fits the county land-use plan's low-density residential guidance and recommended approval.

Public commenters asked whether the status would impede federal uses, including questions about a social-media post suggesting federal detention facilities. Planning staff said governmental uses may be allowed on many zones and that federal action would not be strictly limited by local zoning; staff also reiterated that any future subdivision of the tract would require permanent public access or a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

The commission acted by roll-call and forwarded a positive recommendation; the record includes at least one abstention in the roll-call sequence. The county commission will make the final determination.