Clocking in at over 4 and a half hours, the June 19th meeting of the Murfreesboro city council was one for the record books.  Residents of the Indian Hills community showed up in force at the meeting to oppose amending 2.0 acres within the Indian Hills PUD to be used for a new restaurant along South Church Street, the details of which were broad, unspecific, and of serious concern to many in the area, over fears of increased traffic flow and road hazards.  Several dozen speakers showed up in the council chambers to voice both opposition and support for the measure, utilizing over 2 hours of public hearing time.  

Hear public comments here: 

These, and many other residents, spoke out against the proposed plans.

Despite mostly negative feedback, the request was not voted down at this time, and awaits further debate and discussion.

Among other issues covered at the meeting, the Appropriations Ordinance, Tax Rate Ordinance, and 2013-2014 Budget were all passed upon second reading, and City Manager Rob Lyons introduced Mike Browning as the city’s new Public Information Officer, a position he previously held at MTSU and earlier with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.  Additionally, the council considered a resolution to allow city sidewalks and roads in the central business district to be used for possession, use and consumption of beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages by and for the benefit of charitable organizations on an experimental basis, introduced in response to the popular “Wine Around the Square” fundraiser…



Despite initial reservations by Councilman Smotherman, that measure was unanimously approved.