Jack Byrnes served as chairman of the Planning Commission during a significant period of growth in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. Now a street leading off Veterans Parkway to the City’s newest school, Overall Creek Elementary on the growing west side, has been named in his honor.

“During his tenure as Planning Commission chairman, Jack Byrnes presided over adoption of a new zoning ordinance and a comprehensive rezoning of the entire City as well as the adoption of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the City,” said Commission Chair Bob Lamb. “Mr. Byrnes was a valuable member of the Planning Commission for many years.  We really learned a lot about serving on the Commission from a true role model.”

Former Chairman Byrnes was appointed to the Planning Commission on July 3, 1980. He became chairman in July of 1982 and served in that leadership capacity until June 18, 1997.  Byrnes was also a well-known homebuilder in Rutherford County with a reputation for building quality homes.

“Our family is proud of dad’s long service on the Planning Commission and grateful that the City is honoring him in this way,” said Dr. Mark Byrnes, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at MTSU. “Given that all three of his son’s attended Murfreesboro City Schools, we’re especially pleased that the street named in his honor will lead to the City’s new Overall Creek Elementary school.”

The Planning Commission approved the street naming of Jack Byrnes Drive during today’s commission meeting. The street is located on a 2.17 acre plat developed by Swanson Development west of Otter Trail and east of Veterans Parkway.

The 7-member Planning Commission is responsible for coordinating the physical development of the community by developing comprehensive land use plans, zoning regulations, a major thoroughfare plan and other plans and ordinances. The Planning Commission reviews and approves subdivision plats and site plans and, after public hearings, makes recommendations to the City Council on planned developments, zoning, and annexation.

Murfreesboro’s newest school, Overall Creek Elementary, is located at 429 Otter Trail. The school is scheduled to open for the first day of classes on August 6, 2014. An open house is scheduled for August 3rd and a dedication on August 24. Former Scales Principal Don Bartch will serve as Overall’s first principal. For more information on Murfreesboro City Schools visit, http://www.cityschools.net/.  

Please contact City Planning Director Joseph Aydelott at 615- 893-6441 or Murfreesboro City Schools Director of Communications Lisa Trail at 615-893-2313 for more information.