CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Around 85 acres of land off of Trenton Road has been rezoned from AG to MXU-PUD to enable the development of the Black Oaks project, which will bring apartments, townhomes, retail and office buildings to the planned Spring Creek Parkway.

Will Christian III, who is the applicant for the Black Oaks development, came forward Thursday night to speak to the Clarksville City Council about his proposal. Christian started off by saying the 85 acres that he’d asked to be rezoned has been in his family for quite some time.

Black Oaks is a project he’s worked on for over 10 years, and he said it holds a special place in his heart. Christian later described to Clarksville Now that Black Oaks is a legacy project, which is one reason he’s been set on building the development the right way.

Christian said he’s worked closely numerous city leaders and officials throughout the process, which includes members of the Regional Planning Commission, the Street Department, City Attorney Lance Baker and Mayor Joe Pitts.

Christian added he has spoken to local officials and the surrounding community to address any concerns they may have, and he will continue to have an “open door policy” to ensure Black Oaks is developed the right way.

Several members of the council thanked him for his due diligence, while others did have some remaining questions.

Council questions

Councilperson Joe Shakeenab asked for Christian to elaborate on the expected timeline of the project. The applicant said a project of this magnitude could range five to 10 years. They will begin developing the infrastructure once the first phase of Spring Creek Parkway has been completed, which has been estimated to take 12 to 18 months.

Councilperson Wanda Smith asked about the layout of the development. Christian said that on one side of the mixed use planned development will be commercial, while the other side will be residential. He also said community needs such as a senior living facility, medical office buildings, office space and green space will be at the center of the project.

Councilperson Karen Reynolds said she has concerns surrounding the timeline and traffic. Specifically, the widening of Trenton Road could possibly not be completed until 2030, which could cause serious congestion. Reynolds acknowledged that this is out of Christian’s control.

The rezoning passed 10-1, with Reynolds voting no.