By MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer – April 3, 2008 – 6:00 pm

Representatives from Bible Park USA failed to convince Rutherford County Future Development Committee its plans meet the requirements for a Conditional Use Permit.

FDC met Thursday afternoon to review the land use plan and Conditional Use Permit request of SafeHarbor, LLC to develop a proposed non-denominational Biblically based theme park in the Blackman Community.

The committee, in a tie vote, failed to recommend the request.

“What happens now is it goes on to the Planning Commission with no recommendation,” explained Doug Demosi, county planning department executive director.

Following three hours of explanaitons by SafeHarbor officials and public comment by some 15 citizens, Rutherford County Commissioner and FDC member Steve Sandlin smade a motion to deny the request. The motion garnered a tie vote with Sandlin, Bob Farris and Steve Barnes voting in favor to deny.

Voting against Sandlin's motion, and therefore to approve the request, were Allen Swader, Talmadge Gilley and Mike Kusch.

Sandlin based his motion to deny primarily because the proposed park does not mesh with the county’s land use plan for the Blackman Community, which calls for mainly residential development mixed with low density commerial.

He also cited public concerns about traffic and public opinion against the park. Almost 100 people turned up to speak either for or against the park.

“We’re about double against it than for it,” Sandlin said.

Committee member Bob Farris also requested an opinion from Tennessee Attorney General regarding the use of county-based Tax Increment Financing and possible First Amendment separation of church and state conflicts with the Bible-based park.

The permit request and plan now go to the full Rutherford County Planning Commission with no recommendation at its Monday, April 14 meeting.

Michelle Willard can be contacted at (615) 869-0816 or mwillard@murfreesboropost.com.