Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cookeville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
27 issues
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.
Dixie Grove RAO District and Preliminary Plat
Aaron Bernhardt is proposing a 36-lot residential subdivision and RAO District establishment on North Dixie Avenue.
Grand Cascades Preliminary Plat Resubmittal
Capital Communities is asking for a review of a 23-lot residential preliminary plat on South Maple Avenue.
Data Centers in Heavy Manufacturing District Zoning Code Amendment
City officials are studying new zoning rules to regulate data centers in the Heavy Manufacturing (HM) district.
Bellewood Row Rezoning Study
The commission is studying a rezone request on Buffalo Valley Road from single-family residential to a planned residential development for Bellewood Row.
Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader Contract and Privacy Concerns
The city council debated and ultimately approved a two-year contract renewal for 10 Flock automated license plate readers amid heavy resident pushback over privacy, data security, and Fourth Amendment rights. Residents and experts expressed fears regarding hacking, government overreach, and surveillance creep, while police officials defended the technology as an essential tool for solving crimes and locating missing persons.
South Willow Avenue Left-Turn Lane Right-of-Way Acquisition
The city partnered with TDOT to fund and construct a dedicated right-turn lane on South Willow Avenue at Interstate Drive to ease traffic congestion.
Surplus Property Disposition on West Stevens Street
The city is selling a 27.4-acre lot to The Hollingsworth Company to support Project Green, bringing a $25 million real property investment, $15 million in personal property, and 168 new jobs to Cookeville.
Dogwood Circle and Forrest Road Rezoning
Residents strongly opposed rezoning property from RS-15 to RS-10, citing worsening flooding, drainage issues, and traffic safety concerns. City officials defended the move, noting it aligns with the 2030 plan and requires strict stormwater management review.
Mental Health Crisis Response Grant and Program Expansion
Cookeville is applying for a $1.7 million state grant over five years to add EMT staff and a vehicle to its community response program.
General Obligation Bonds for Capital Infrastructure Projects
The council approved various infrastructure improvements, street widening, water line replacements, and pre-commitments for heavy public works vehicles to maintain city services and upgrade aging fleets.
Dodson Branch Road Annexation Area Rezoning
The city is moving forward with a 280-acre annexation along Dodson Branch Road, which will require a referendum vote by citizens in May. A public hearing is scheduled for March 19 to gather community feedback on municipal services.
Sanitary Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation
The city awarded a $1.1 million contract to rehabilitate over 7,200 feet of sewer lines and replace damaged pipe to maintain local wastewater infrastructure.
South Jefferson Avenue TDOT Partnership Project
The city is applying for state partnership funding to construct a much-needed southbound turn lane and pedestrian improvements on South Jefferson Avenue at Interstate Drive, committing up to $500,000 in local funds to make the project more competitive.
South Jefferson Avenue TVA Tower Relocation
The city received a $750,000 state grant to help pay for moving a power transmission tower at South Jefferson Avenue and Neal Street near Longhorn Steakhouse. This tower has been a frequent bottleneck and accident site for large trucks, and moving it will allow for much-needed traffic and turn lane improvements.
Mayor Election
Cookeville is getting a fresh face in the mayor's office as Councilman Chad Gilbert takes over the city's top leadership spot. It's a classic local government shift that sets a new tone for town policies.
Inclusive Youth Soccer Facility Grant
The city will pass a $500,000 state grant to the Joseph Warlick Memorial Foundation to help build an all-inclusive youth soccer facility.
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.
Candidate Election
Local elections are coming up in Cookeville, and voters are getting a chance to meet the City Council candidates before heading to the ballot box. It's basically your opportunity to figure out who actually shares your vision for the town before casting your vote.
Adaptive Multi-Family Residential Reuse Zoning Amendment
The city adopted an ordinance allowing adaptive residential multi-family reuse in commercial-industrial districts, aimed at helping extended-stay properties provide stable, longer-term housing with required lease terms and voucher acceptance.
39 Depot Master Plan and Infrastructure Improvements
The council approved the master plan and land acquisition for the 39 Depot project, which will overhaul downtown traffic flow with an oblongabout, add parking spaces, and create community gathering plazas.
Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Budget Adoption
The city council reviewed and approved the $244 million annual budget, maintaining property tax rates with standard state reappraisal rounding and funding employee pay adjustments and capital projects.
Energy Department Facility Expansion
The city approved a $3.37 million contract change order for plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection work on the Energy Department facility expansion.
Election
Eleven candidates, including local business owners and veterans, are running for leadership positions in Cookeville. Voters have a wide variety of choices to shape the city's future.
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.
Oak Avenue Railroad Crossing Engineering
The city is asking R.J. Corman Railroad Group to approve a new railroad crossing at Oak Avenue as part of the 39 Depots project. This crossing is essential to realign Malfunction Junction and improve downtown pedestrian and vehicle safety.
Interstate Drive Roadway Settlement Repairs
The city is moving forward with fixing the settlement issues on Interstate Drive by hiring Rembco Geotechnical Contractors to drill and grout the roadway. UES will handle the construction inspection and oversight to make sure the job gets done right.