Huntingdon Town Council Advances Rezoning Requests

HUNTINGDON (February 24) — The Huntingdon Town Council met Tuesday night at Huntingdon City Hall, advancing multiple zoning matters, approving the appointment of a new executive director for the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center and granting park use for a local fundraiser.

Council members present were Will Atkins, Chad Barnhart, Lori Dillahunty, John Sanders and Mayor Chad Edwards. Vice Mayor Andrew Maddox and council members Daniel and Kelly Eubanks were absent.

The council opened a public hearing regarding a proposed amendment to the official zoning map to rezone a portion of property located on R.B. Wilson Drive and Chickasaw Drive, identified as Carroll County Tax Map 63, Parcel 49.03. Public notice of the meeting had been duly advertised.

Mayor Edwards called for a recess and asked if anyone wished to address the issue. No one spoke. The meeting was then called back into session.

On second and final reading, the council approved Ordinance No. 654, which rezones the property located on R.B. Wilson Drive and Chickasaw Drive — along with an adjacent right-of-way — from H-M (Hospital-Medical) to R-1 (Low-Density Residential). The property is owned by Ensley Dirtwork and Investment Properties LLC and Beaver Creek Management Group LLC.

The council also considered Ordinance No. 655, which would amend the zoning map to rezone approximately 66.8 acres at the northeast corner of Northwood Drive and Crossroads Church Road.

The property, identified as Tax Map 63, Parcel 23.00, along with a portion of the Crossroads Church right-of-way between two sections of the property being annexed, is currently zoned R-1 (Low-Density Residential). The ordinance would change the designation to R-2 (Medium-Density Residential).

While previously owned by Ashlee Young, Mayor Edwards noted the property is now owned by Jason Kirby and Collin Miller, who are proposing its development.

The Huntingdon Planning Commission approved the rezoning request at its February 9 meeting and recommended it be sent to the town council for consideration. The council approved the ordinance on first reading.

Council members voted to appoint Kimberly Kraft McLemore as executive director of the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.

Mayor Edwards said 16 candidates were interviewed by a 10-person panel before bringing McLemore forward for appointment. He noted she comes from the Nashville Symphony and said securing a candidate of her caliber is significant for the community.

McLemore visited The Dixie on Thursday, February 26, to observe operations. A formal meet-and-greet is in the works.

The council approved a request for use of Edwards Park and Veterans Park on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a softball tournament fundraiser benefiting Jacob “Jake” Warbritton.

Warbritton, a longtime Huntingdon teacher and coach, is battling Stage 4 cancer. All proceeds from the tournament will go to assist him and his family.

Due to spring break week and the anticipated lack of a quorum, the council voted to move its regular Tuesday, March 24, 2026, meeting to Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.