Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Smyrna public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
16 issues in development
Bankside Drive and Kedron Church Road PRD Rezoning
David Weekley Homes secured approval to build 202 age-restricted homes off Kedron Church Road, replacing an older, denser subdivision plan. While the lower density and senior focus appealed to many, some council members questioned concentrating traffic at a single gated entrance during a period of infrastructure strain.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Special Exception on Hankins Drive
The board approved an attached accessory apartment for a family member at 1101 Chorleywood Court. The project enhances an older part of the home while maintaining neighborhood setbacks and architectural harmony.
Old Nashville Highway Commercial Rezoning Denied
Property owners requested rezoning seven parcels from C-4 and R-2 to C-2 to facilitate redevelopment. The commission denied the request because three of the parcels failed to meet minimum size requirements.
Consolidated Signage Plan for Kroger Development on Lee Victory Parkway
The developer of the new Kroger shopping center requested a sign variance for a larger, multi-tenant pole sign with digital changeable copy. The board supported the plan because it replaces multiple individual signs and reduces visual clutter along Bulldog Drive.
Expansion of Senior Housing Options via Age-Restricted PUDs
The town is seeing a strong push for 55-plus housing developments, which lower school impacts and traffic while providing modern senior living.
Stonecrest Commercial Traffic Study Delays
Developers and town engineers debated traffic access and study results for the proposed Stonetrace Commons commercial project. The commission ultimately deferred the site plan to ensure safety on Old Nashville Highway and Genie Lane.
Commercial Development and Design Standards
Town leaders reviewed landscaping requirements and tree preservation rules for properties.
Data Center Development Policies
The council and planning commission discussed regulations and policies surrounding data centers in the town.
Hollingshead Land Annexation and Zoning
Sonny Patel will annex 3.54 acres at 8216 Florence Road to build conventional self-storage and covered boat/RV storage units behind an existing convenience store.
Comprehensive Plan Update Survey
A commissioner highlighted recent Census Bureau data showing Smyrna's population grew by 19.2% over five years, reaching 63,000 and outpacing projected growth rates in the town's comprehensive plan.
Special Exception for Business Uses at Threet Industrial Road
An applicant sought a special exception to bring multiple low-impact commercial and industrial tenants into compliance at 107, 109, and 111 Threet Industrial Road. The board approved the request to align existing uses with zoning rules.
Private Road Standards and Variance Requests
The planning commission denied a request to add a third house onto a private drive without public street standards, highlighting ongoing concerns about who maintains private roads and whether emergency vehicles can easily reach homes.
Nissan Drive Industrial Rezoning Proposal
A developer requested rezoning 28 acres on Nissan Drive for industrial warehouses, sparking heavy pushback from nearby Bent Tree subdivision residents over traffic, noise, and safety.
Del Thomas Road Annexation and PRD (Catalyst Design Group)
A 102-acre property on Del Thomas Road is being annexed into the town to build 162 single-family homes and 40 townhomes. The project involves major sewer line extensions, right-of-way dedications, and traffic flow improvements near Rocky Fork Almaville Road.
Fall Creek Commerce Industrial Development & Annexation
Fall Creek Commerce proposed annexing 225 acres on Mona Road for massive warehouses and commercial use, sparking heavy resident pushback over traffic, flooding, and quality of life. The council ultimately voted down the project.
Mona Road Industrial Annexation and Traffic Impact
Fall Creek Commerce is seeking annexation and PUD zoning for 225 acres on Mona Road for industrial and commercial use. Council members raised concerns about increased truck traffic and infrastructure impacts on rural roadways.