“I am hoping that we have a lot of public participation.” – Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton
Recently, the City Council of Cookeville voted to retain a collaborative design team to provide a comprehensive Master Plan for the Westside Commercial District, including the recently purchased Wilson and Shanks Hotel property. At the meeting, the council announced multiple public meetings will be held where citizens will be able to share ideas and discuss the progress made.
Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton hopes for a great turnout.
“I am very excited about this project, as are each of the council members,” said Wheaton in a statement. “I am hoping that we have a lot of public participation, as we want as much community involvement as possible. Although certain groups have been identified for specific time slots for the focus groups, I urge you to pick the time most convenient for your personal schedule.”
If you are unable to attend a meeting, there is a questionnaire available HERE.
9 things to know about the public meetings
1. Location
Focus Group Meetings are Conducted at the Gas Division at 16 N Oak Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501.
2. Dates:
- Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
- 9-11 a.m.: Business & Property Owners
- 1-3 p.m.: City Staff & Departments
- 3-5 p.m.: General Public
- 5-7 p.m.: Cityscape and Historical Commission
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
- 9-11 a.m.: Business and Property Owners
- 1-3 p.m.: General Public
- 3-5 p.m.: Chamber & Tourism
- 5-7 p.m.: TTU Faculty & Students, General Public
3. Written Report
A written report concerning focus groups will be submitted to the City Council on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.
4. Council Work Session
This session will be held Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
5. Town Hall Meeting
A Preliminary Master Plan Presentation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at City Hall.
6. First round of meetings
According to Wheaton, “the first round of meetings will be a focus group format where the consulting team will share the primary objectives for the project and present an initial concept for review. Subsequently, attendees will complete a questionnaire and have an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and express concerns.”
7. The second part of public input
It will include a report, which will provide a summary of ideas that were presented, concerns that were expressed, and the results from the questionnaire.
8. A work session meeting will be conducted with the council
The purpose of the meeting is to allow the design team time to review the results from the focus group meetings and how best to proceed with the preparation of the preliminary Master Plan. Before the town hall meeting, the design team will prepare a preliminary Master Plan incorporating the consensus of ideas, concerns and professional expertise into the proposed concept.
9. The last chance for public input
The last chance for public input will be at a town hall meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at City Hall, located at 45 E Broad Street in Cookeville in the council meeting room at 6:30 p.m. The preliminary Master Plan will also be presented, and the public will once again have the opportunity to share their thoughts.
“I am very excited about this project, as are each of the council members. I am hoping that we have a lot of public participation, as we want as much community involvement as possible. Although certain groups have been identified for specific time slots for the focus groups, I urge you to pick the time most convenient for your personal schedule,” according to Wheaton.
This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.
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