CHEROKEE PARK

History Repeating

To "Z" or not to "Z"? That is the question. The "Z" in question was whether or not to allow Cherokee Park to be zoned with a Historic Conservation Overlay. The Cherokee Park neighborhood abuts the Historic Richland area, which is currently protected.

The debate was heated, with both sides bringing strong arguments to the table. A residence that the proponents of the bill refered to as "The Taco Bell House" seemed to have brought this matter to a head. With only Metro Codes and the restrictive covenants of the neighborhood governing the renovation, a homeowner took some architectural license with his house that was not consistent with the tastes of his neighbors and, seemingly, his councilman. They do not want that to happen again.

The other side was quick to assert that the neighborhood is not historic at all. It contends that a large percentage of the homes that would be included in the overlay are houses which were built in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s – some even as late as the ‘80s and ‘90s. Sadly, the overlay would protect the ‘atrocities’ along with a smattering of truly historic homes.

Oftentimes, howerver, builders choose to build elegant, charming homes rather than cloning a fast food restaurant. And fortunately, there are many homes in the Cherokee Park area that are a testament to good taste. Expect to find a large selection beautiful homes representing each of the last 8 or 9 decades, give or take a one barking Chihuahua.

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