Clarksville Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - September 24, 2025

The Clarksville Board of Zoning Appeals met on September 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Clarksville Administration Building. The meeting covered three agenda items: a special exception for multifamily development (tabled), a variance for a corner lot fence (approved), and a use variance for an addiction therapy center (tabled). Public comments were heard on the addiction therapy center, with speakers both supporting and opposing the proposal.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Support for the addiction therapy center: Councilman Bob Stotz (126 Meadow Drive) read a text from a person in recovery, urging the board to give the program a chance. A person in long-term recovery (name not stated) spoke about the importance of recovery support and addressed concerns about stigma. Mason Mead (1931 Green Tree Boulevard) shared his personal recovery journey and praised the applicants. Bill Hudson, founding pastor of Return Church (4625 Cordon Ridge Road), described the church's existing ministry to recovering addicts, including a faith-based 12-step program with 12–60 attendees every Thursday night, and emphasized that the new program would be similar. Scott Lawler (1710 National Avenue) spoke about his 19 years of sobriety and the positive impact of recovery programs. William Stein (1931 Green Tree Boulevard) testified that the program structure is tightly supervised. Nick Perkins (1931 Green Tree Boulevard) spoke as a person in 16-year recovery and a father, stating the program is outpatient, not a rehab, and that clients would be transported by van.
• Opposition to the addiction therapy center: John Gelke (467 Cruzia Avenue) argued the activity would negatively impact property values and that other suitable locations exist, noting the zoning regulations were established for a reason. Friar John Bem (310 North Sherwood, St. Anthony Friary) objected due to proximity (less than 1,000 feet from St. Anthony's preschool and elementary school) and cited state law regarding drug-free zones. Stephanie Checker (5015 Cooks Creek Lane), principal of St. Anthony's School, expressed concerns about student safety, walkers, and potential exposure to individuals in crisis. Jim Kenney (1141 Centralia Court) argued that the use variance does not meet the six legal standards under Section 225-70, particularly public safety and property values. Alison Huber (208 Deer Creek Drive) and Noem Munoz (1448 South Street) both spoke as parents of St. Anthony students, expressing safety concerns. Tony Singleton (3024 Cold Stream Drive) urged denial based on the Eastern Boulevard corridor zoning and lack of proof of the required factors.

Discussion Items

• Item 4.1 (SE-25-0002): Special Exception for Multifamily Development at 704 Providence Way – The item was tabled before the meeting but formal notice had been sent, so a formal vote to table was required. Motion made and seconded, passed unanimously.
• Item 4.2 (V-25-0010): Corner Lot Fence at 501 W Stansifer – Applicant Brent Snyder (501 West Stansifer Avenue) requested a variance for a six-foot privacy fence on a corner lot. Staff report noted the fence does not exceed height restrictions but is a privacy fence in a front yard. The report concluded the variance would not be injurious to public safety, would not adversely affect property values, and that strict application would cause practical difficulty. Board members asked no questions. They made a motion to approve based on the listed considerations (A, B, C, D from ordinance). Motion seconded and passed unanimously.
• Item 4.3 (V-25-0009): Use Variance for Addiction Therapy Center at 435 Eastern Boulevard – Applicants Brad Keith and Nick Perkins (both at 1931 Green Tree Avenue) proposed an outpatient addiction therapy center on the third floor of Return Church. Staff report noted the use is not permitted in the Eastern Boulevard Corridor Zone, and the staff report concluded that while public health/safety would not be harmed, the variance would adversely affect surrounding property values and that strict application would not create a hardship. The applicants presented their operation: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, serving 40–80 clients (range 20–100), with no structural changes, no overnight stays. They offered to address concerns about scheduling around school hours. During board discussion, members expressed concerns about lack of community outreach, the legal requirements for a use variance, and the staff report's negative finding on property values. Board member Lois Englebretson made a motion to table the item until the October 22, 2025, meeting to allow the applicants to address the legal elements and speak with neighbors. The motion was seconded and passed.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4.1 (SE-25-0002): Tabled (formal vote to table due to public notice already sent). Will appear under old business on October 22, 2025.
• Item 4.2 (V-25-0010): Approved unanimously. Variance granted for a six-foot privacy fence at 501 W Stansifer.
• Item 4.3 (V-25-0009): Tabled until the October 22, 2025, board meeting. Applicants were encouraged to meet with neighbors and prepare evidence meeting the six legal standards for a use variance.