Mayor John Roberts honors Cooley family
photo by Gail Perry
The Red Bank Commission on Tuesday night honored the Cooley family for operating a business in the city for 80 continuous years. Cooley’s Fine Clothing is still managed by family members of the founder who started the business in 1936. Mayor John Roberts made the presentation of a certificate of appreciation for their presence in the city and for their contribution to the economic growth of Red Bank.
A public hearing was held for two properties by request of the owners. A request to rezone two empty lots at 2417 Ashmore Ave. from R-2 residential to R-T/Z Residential Townhouse / Zero Lot Line had no opposition and the recommendation of approval from the planning commission. The commissioners voted unanimously to pass the ordinance to rezone the lots, on first reading.
The public hearing to amend the zoning at 3302 Lamar Ave. from R-1A Residential to R-2 Residential drew a roomful of residents from the neighborhood in opposition to the rental duplexes that the owner proposed building. Mayor Roberts said the Planning Board had voted against the project four to zero, because duplexes are not consistent with the adopted land use plan for the area and the fact that duplexes are known to have a negative impact a neighborhoods and schools. The commissioners agreed and also voted unanimously to reject the proposed zoning change.
Red Bank purchased a number of Volkswagen diesel Passats as part of its fleet of police vehicles. The city has received a “goodwill package” from Volkswagen in the amount of $7,000. The commissioners voted to add it to the budget as miscellaneous revenue. Of the amount, $3,500 will be designated for repair and maintenance, and $3,500 for supplies.
A vote also approved funding the city’s portion of a grant received from the Tennessee Municipal League Risk Pool for driver safety. The grant from TML in the amount of $2,136 is required to be matched by the city. The total of $4,271 will be used by the fire department to buy five backup cameras and by the police department to buy two backup cameras.
The name of a road was officially changed by the commission per request of a property owner who lives on the street. The original name of 2nd Avenue had been replaced by Hawk Den Lane.
Mayor Roberts announced a new business that is locating in the city. This will be the second location for Chambliss Center for Children and will be in the old Girl Scout building. When renovations are complete, the building will be divided with part of it holding an early childcare facility and the other side will hold a thrift store with proceeds benefiting the center. When open, it will be able to care for 60 children and will be open 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year to help parents who work during various shifts. Fees for the program will be based on each family’s income. The center is expected to be open by the end of 2016.