Why does Lakewood need a Comprehensive Plan?

First, the state requires it in Tennessee Code Annotated 6-58-107. Land use decisions are supposed to be consistent with a City’s general plan.

Does a Land Use Plan change zoning?

No. Only your elected officials can change zoning. A Land Use Plan is only used as a guideline for future zoning changes. It is only a guideline.

Can a Land Use Plan be changed or amended?

Absolutely. Dwight D. Eisenhower said: “Plans are nothing; planning is everything”. The formality of doing a community plan tends to place too much emphasis on the “plan” and not enough emphasis on the act of “planning”.

Plans should not be set in stone. Amending a Land Use Plan should be easy because things do change over time.

Will this force me to sell my house?

No. There is a great deal of misunderstanding about the authority of government here in Lakewood. No one can make you sell your private property if you do not want to sell it.

Why can’t we just leave everything alone?

Remember the proverb, “failing to plan is planning to fail”? It is certainly true for communities as well as individuals. Lakewood is 50 years old this year. Much of the housing was built here even before the city was chartered. This housing will be rebuilt someday as the bare land value exceeds the value of improvements on it. The Land Use Plan will be used as a guide if people want to change the use of that land.

Not planning ahead will almost guarantee random, hodge-podge building.

What can I do to get involved?

You can come and participate and share your vision for Lakewood. This is a community plan being done by volunteers. You are welcome to come to every meeting. The reader board at City Hall will list these meetings as they are called.

You can contact the City Manager at 615-847-2187 if you have any questions about this process.