Cookeville’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception request Thursday to allow a used car dealership to operate at 298 West Broad Street.
City Planner Chris Phillips said the subject property contains approximately 0.26 acres and is located within a local commercial zoning district. Phillips said the site currently meets all surfacing requirements for parking and auto sales.
“Our recommendation tonight is approval of the special exception request subject to the requirements established in section 221.4D of the zoning code,” Phillips said.
Owner Josh Mann said he has operated a dealership in Lebanon for over four years.. Mann said he intends to sell a variety of vehicles.
“I do my best to try to take care of people, do good business, sell affordable, dependable, nice vehicles,” Mann said. “I do also sell a lot of trucks and sports cars and stuff just because I like to sell stuff that I like too.”
Mann said the West Broad Street location is situated on a busy road and previously served as a successful car lot.
The property is bordered by general commercial zoning to the south and local commercial zoning to the east, north, and west. Phillips said the location complies with zoning codes because it is not adjacent to any single-family residential districts and sits on streets classified as major arterials.
“I’m just looking forward to being home in Cookeville closer to my family,” Mann said. “I got a wife and six kids at home and I’m excited to not have to commute a few hours each day and get to spend more time with my family and get to serve my community of Cookeville and just be back at home.”