Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cookeville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues with medium priority
Carlile Townhomes Preliminary Plat
B&B Partnership is presenting an updated preliminary plat for a 7-lot townhome project on Scott Avenue and West Stevens Street.
Grand Cascades Preliminary Plat Resubmittal
Capital Communities is asking for a review of a 23-lot residential preliminary plat on South Maple Avenue.
Interstate Drive Widening Project Change Order
The city approved an extra $221,220 to quickly fix a rough dip on Interstate Drive as part of the ongoing road widening project.
Putnam County Growth Plan Update
The city ratified the updated Putnam County Growth Plan, adding over 4,300 acres to Cookeville's urban growth boundary.
First Amendment lawsuit
A local resident addressed the city council during public comments, urging candidates and elected officials to separate personal religious beliefs from public governance.
Boyd Farris Road Rezoning
The city approved the final reading to rezone 16.43 acres on Boyd Farris Road to single-family residential use.
Economic Development
Cookeville is booming with new jobs and housing demand, but that means major changes are coming to our local roads and utilities. Expect a busier city as growth ramps up fast.
Emergency Mulch Grinder Rental
Following a fire that destroyed the city-owned mulch grinder, Cookeville and Putnam County are renting a replacement unit to maintain operations.
Tennessee Central Trail Extension Property Transactions
The city is partnering with the rail trail authority to acquire and exchange property to extend the recreational trail from Garrett Avenue toward West Jackson Street. This will help connect neighborhoods to Cane Creek Park and future downtown projects.
Energy Department Digital Outage Management System
The city approved a new digital outage management system to give electric customers real-time updates and interactive outage maps. It also cuts down on phone calls spilling over to the police department.
UC Makerspace Facility Relocation and Expansion
UC Makerspace is seeking new space at the Cookeville Mall after losing its current location and is requesting community support for a $1.67 million buildout. This facility provides tools and technical education for local entrepreneurs and youth.
Baron Court Right-of-Way Abandonment for Public Works
The city is closing a portion of Baron Court right-of-way to expand its recycling center and public works facility, including adding storage space for winter road salt.
Police Misconduct
An Army veteran is suing Cookeville and its police department for excessive force after cops confronted him while he was sleeping in his car. This mess could cost the city serious cash and brings some unwanted, heavy heat onto local police tactics.
Confederate monument debate
Cookeville is caught in a heated debate over what to do with its local Confederate monument. Residents are clashing on whether the historical marker should stay put, get updated context, or be removed entirely.
Monument Signage
Cookeville is looking to clear up its legal liability by adding signs around the local Confederate monument to explicitly state the city doesn't own it. This comes as a way to distance the local government from the controversial site while the debate over its presence continues.