Bell’s Bend Councilman Would Sponsor May Town Zoning Change

Metro Councilman Lonnell Matthews says he would sponsor a zoning change allowing a mega-development called the May Town Center in a rural community he represents.

Developer Tony Giarratana requested the zone change last week, potentially side-stepping a land-use planning process for Bell’s Bend that has been delayed by residents who oppose the mini-city.

On the land-use plan, Councilman Matthews has asked that a decision be delayed a year to further study the proposal to create a second urban core. He calls the request for a zone change an aggressive move, but he says he will sponsor it, just not necessarily advocate for approval.

“At this point, it’s time for me to step in, take control of what’s going on, and my intention is to represent my constituents and make sure their voice is heard.”

Developers of the May Town Center want to have a Metro Council vote on the zone change in November.