An introductory meeting was held to hear public input on the Bedford County Zoning Department’s 20-year Comprehensive Plan. 

According to Melissa Peagler from Volkert Inc., who led the meeting, a Comprehensive Plan helps create productive change and a vision. 

“We don’t want a document that sits on our shelves somewhere and is never used or looked at...We want something that is going to be useful and give you direct action steps,” Peagler said. 

Bedford’s zoning department has been working with Volkert, a planning and engineering consultant with more than 50 offices nationally, since before the 2020 pandemic. 

Interestingly, if Bedford were to grow at the same rate as Nashville, its population would be a whopping 149,000 by 2040. 

However, according to Volkert’s research, Bedford will most likely grow to have a population of around 66,500 by 2040.

One of the benefits of this land-use plan is that it strengthens a community’s ability to zone land legally as well as protect property rights. This plan is something courts look at when determining rezoning, according to Peagler. 

Voice of the people

Peagler explained that the goal of this plan, and having public input meetings, is to allow people to say what quality of life aspects in Bedford they enjoy and what they would like to see change. 

“The idea is we’re going to get lots of opinions...We’re going to keep track of that. We’re not only going say, ‘Hey, we hear you,’ but this is what we did about it and keep a scorecard of it, so you guys know we are being clear and transparent about it,” said Peagler. 

The key is to keep property rights in mind, which allow for a standard vision that doesn’t change based on who gets elected or on who is asking. “You’re looking at the map as a whole, comprehensive, not based on the person who is asking to change it to something else,” said Peagler. 

Those in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting were encouraged to submit changes they would like to see as well as places of caution when it comes to development. For example, if there are any specific roads or intersections that need close looks.

They also look at tourism and economic development, such as what’s going at the Shelbyville Municipal Airport and the Nearest Green Distillery on U.S. 231, as well as the topography of the land. “What do you want to be known for?” Peagler asked. 

Any public feedback can be sent to zoning@bedfordcountytn.org, or residents can call the zoning office at 931-685-1336. 

They hope to work on this comprehensive plan for the next six months. The draft plan will go to the Planning Commission before it goes to the County Commission. Peagler said there will most likely be a 30-day period where the public can put their suggestions or critiques forward.

Those dates and an official website will be announced at a later time. 

Items to consider

Here are some items the plan will include and that residents should consider:

• Population – Historic trends, projections, household number and sizes, education levels and income.
• Economic Development – Labor force characteristics, employment, and analysis of our economic base.
• Natural Resources – Consideration of the natural environment, agricultural and forest lands, plant and animal habitats, recreation, scenic vistas, and soil and air quality.
• Cultural Resources – Consideration of historic buildings, districts, museums, festivals, and natural scenic sites.
• Community Facilities – Consideration of water/sewerage systems and wastewater treatment, solid waste collection and disposal, fire protection, emergency medical services, government facilities, education, and cultural facilities.
• Land Use – Consideration of existing and future categories including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, forestry, mining, public and quasi-public, recreation, parks, open space, and vacant or undeveloped lands.
• Transportation – Consideration of facilities including major road improvements, new roads, transit projects, pedestrian and bicycle projects, multi-modal, and other elements of a network in coordination with land use.