Commissioners approve rezoning of 39 Goose Pond Road despite neighborhood opposition

Coffee County commissioners approved a request to rezone a 3-acre parcel at 39 Goose Pond Road from A1 to C1 on June 23, passing the motion 14-2 after a public-comment period in which neighbors urged keeping the land agricultural.

Neighbors Eric (Ernest) West and Donna West Fletcher told the commission they have lived near the parcel for decades and opposed changing the zoning, citing children playing nearby, congestion when farm equipment crosses roads, and a desire to preserve farmland. "I've lived there all my life and it's always been agriculture," Ernest West said. Donna West Fletcher described her property as a near–century family farm and said the corner of Highway 53 and Goose Pond Road is busy, adding that residents do not want commercial development or a minor subdivision.

Applicant Lacy Cune, who said her family runs a local roofing and siding business and has deep roots in Goose Pond, asked commissioners to approve rezoning so the family could build an office "to establish a permanent home for our business" and continue operating in the community. Cune said the parcel is two miles from her home, the business employs four people, materials are shipped directly to job sites and would not be stored on-site, and the site's main entrance would be on Highway 53.

Steve Cunningham, chairman of the planning commission, told the board the planning commission unanimously recommended approval because the lot fronts a state highway, has water and nearby fire protection, and sits among other mixed commercial uses. "What the Coons have asked in the eyes of the planning commission is reasonable and allowable," Cunningham said, noting the property owner's name is on the deed and that planning standards supported the change.

Commissioners discussed the legal threshold needed for zoning changes, saying Tennessee law requires 10 affirmative votes of the full 18-member board (a majority of the body) rather than a majority of those present. Commissioner Deffort acknowledged the difficulty of the choice and stressed commissioners must follow legal and planning guidance while expressing sympathy for neighbors.

After discussion the rezoning motion carried 14-2. The commission did not specify an effective date during the meeting.

The item follows an earlier, unsuccessful attempt to resolve the same request in October; commissioners said the applicant withdrew that prior application and later reapplied, receiving a unanimous planning commission recommendation on the current application.