Applicants Haynes Bros. Lumber Co. – Terry G. Haynes, Carolyn N. Haynes and Lisa Haynes – requested to rezone a pair of parcels totaling 18.7 acres along Memorial Boulevard near the Regency Park subdivision from Residential Single Family 15 and Office General to Residential Multi-family 16 and Commercial Highway, respectively.

The zoning change came to the council with a unanimous recommendation by the Planning Commission, but that did not discourage some residents from voicing their concerns and even making wild accusations of dishonesty by City Planning Director Joseph Aydelott.

Aydelott opened the public hearing with an apology to residents involved in the process.

“I realize that I may have offended members of this community and for that I would like to apologize,” he said.

Detractors focused mainly on whether various restrictions should be provided by an overlay district or covenants.

County Commissioner Charlie Baum, acting as a representative for a group calling themselves the North Rutherford Alliance, had written a letter to the Murfreesboro Planning Commission proposing an overlay district for the property.

Pamela Yoko of Brentmeade Drive, also of the North Rutherford Alliance, was one of five members of a focus group tasked with advising the city planning department on residents’ concerns.

These concerns guided the Haynes family and the planning department in crafting restrictive covenants on the property for future development.

The resulting covenants are virtually identical to overlay restrictions in the Gateway District, attorney Bricke Murfree said.

“I joined this focus group in order to help build bridges between the Haynes family and area residents,” said Yoko. “But during my involvement I have become aware of lying, backstabbing and politics on the part of city officials.”

She further accused Aydelott of leading the group to believe that proposed restrictions would be part of an overlay district rather than simple covenants.

She said she would provide written proof of her accusation. However, as of press time none had been provided.

Aydelott responded that he did not believe Yoko’s accusations to be true. He said there were no suggestions of an overlay from his department.

“She is just a lady who believes these sorts of accusations will further her cause with the public, but such comments are nothing but hurtful,” Aydelott said.

Among those speaking in favor of the request was Jean Vaughn of Memorial Boulevard. Vaughn said future development in the area “is a plus for Murfreesboro.”

The request was approved on first reading by unanimous vote.

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Other requests gaining passage on first reading, all by unanimous vote:

• A request to rezone portions of River Oaks West, Rivers Edge and River Downs Annex from a planned residential development to light residential by multiple applicants;

• A request to rezone 49.2 acres along South Rutherford Boulevard from light residential by applicant University Villas; and

• A proposal to hire consultants for appraisals and property acquisition for Stones River Greenway Phase IV.