NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Neighbors versus neighbors. People in the Cleveland Park neighborhood are disagreeing on a zoning change. The developer and a local church want to change it to mix use and commercial.
“As a resident that lives here,250 feet away I kind of think it's time to update that policy,” said Sean Roberge.
He has big plans for his neighborhood; he wants to create nice homes and even a place for a local business.
But, he'll have to change the laws first.
“I would like to see mix use development where we create more walkability.”
Roberge and the Cleveland Street Baptist Church wants to change the zoning for nine parcels of land between north sixth and Cleveland streets from single family use to mix use. Roberge owns six of the parcels while the church owns the other three.
"This property as its current zoning and the current request would allow for short term rental permits, non-owner occupied and there could be up to 30 units of those,” said Joel Rakes.
Rakes and several Cleveland Park neighbors packed inside the Baptist Church tonight to bring their concerns to the planning commission before next month's public hearing.
“With this type of policy request change the second it passes, he doesn't have to do anything he said,” Rakes said.
Neighbors are asking the developer to request a specific plan or an SP from metro council.
This would give Roberge additional flexibility up front by saying no short-term rentals, but the developer says it's not his decision.
“I think it should be up to the future property owners, via the HOA to make that choice for themselves,” said Roberge.
Public comments to the Planning Commission should be sent by March 19; the next public hearing is March 28 at the Howard Office Building.
Rakes says many in the community have signed a petition against short term rental permits to be issued for the properties.
