The City of Cedar Hill has taken a bold stand against the Robertson County Planning Commission’s proposed 2040 Comprehensive Growth Map Update, unanimously rejecting it with Resolution 2024-03. Cedar Hill’s leaders made their position clear: the county’s plan prioritizes unchecked development over preserving the rural charm and values that define the community. Their decisive action serves as a call to other towns, including Coopertown, to join the fight to safeguard Robertson County’s heritage.
Cedar Hill’s resolution highlights the town’s commitment to protecting its unique character and quality of life. The city has its own Long-Range Plan and Vision Map, carefully crafted to align with the needs and values of its residents. The county’s proposed growth map, however, does not respect these plans, instead pushing for expansive growth along major thoroughfares. This would encircle Cedar Hill with development that is incompatible with its rural identity.
Cedar Hill Mayor John Edwards said in a facebook post, “I am grateful for my colleagues in the Cedar Hill City Commission as we presented Resolution 2024-03 and approved it unanimously. I ask that my other elected officials across our county and cities to do the same. We have an opportunity to stand with those who entrusted us with their vote and their vision of our communities and our county as a whole.”
Coopertown faces a similar threat. The proposed growth map targets border areas of Coopertown for heavy development, potentially compromising its rural nature and quality of life. If implemented, Coopertown could see commercial sprawl along Highway 49 and other key corridors, further straining infrastructure and eroding the town’s character. While Coopertown retains local control, the county’s aggressive growth plans serve as a warning of what could happen if the town ever relinquished its charter.
Cedar Hill’s resolution is not just a rejection of the growth map but a broader statement about the need for responsible development. It calls on county officials to collaborate with local governments to create growth plans that align with the values and vision of individual communities. This model of community-first planning is one that Coopertown should wholeheartedly embrace.
The Coopertown Board of Mayor and Aldermen now has an opportunity to show solidarity with Cedar Hill and the other communities in Robertson County. Even if a rejection resolution is symbolic, it would send a powerful message to county officials that Coopertown stands united with its citizens against development plans that prioritize revenue over heritage. Such a move would also reaffirm the town’s commitment to preserving its rural character while advocating for growth that benefits, rather than undermines, the community.
Coopertown’s leaders should take this message to heart and adopt their own resolution rejecting the proposed growth map. By doing so, they can join the fight to protect the rural charm and unique identity that make Robertson County special.
Cedar Hill’s Resolution in full:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CEDAR HILL CITY COMMISSION REJECTING THE PROPOSED 2040 COMPREHENSIVE GROWTH MAP UPDATE
WHEREAS, the City Commission of Cedar Hill has carefully reviewed the proposed Growth Map Update that will be presented to the Robertson County Planning Commission and the Robertson County Commissioners for review and approval: and
WHEREAS, the City Commission is committed to maintaining and promoting the unique character, values, and quality of life that the residents of Cedar Hill and Robertson County cherish; and
WHEREAS, the City has adopted its own Long Range Plan and Vision Map, which outlines a strategic approach to development that aligns with the desires and needs of our community; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Growth Map Update does not align with the aforementioned Long Range Plan and Vision Map, and appears to promote development in a manner that is incompatible with the values of preserving
and protecting the rural areas and natural resources that are integral to our county’s heritage; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Cedar Hill have expressed their strong desire to safeguard the rural character and integrity of our surroundings, ensuring that future growth respects and enhances our community’s identity and
quality of life;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of Cedar Hill that:
1. The City Commission hereby rejects the proposed Growth Map Update due to its incompatibility with the City’s Long-Range Plan and Vision Map.
2. The City Commission urges County officials to collaborate with the City Commission to consider
alternative approaches to growth that better reflect the community’s vision for preserving the rural areas we hold dear.
3. The City Commission expresses its commitment to working together with neighboring jurisdictions to ensure future developments align with the shared goals of protecting the rural character of our
community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage, the public welfare requiring it.
ADOPTED this 2nd Day of December, 2024.
The image for this article was taken from the post announcing the resolution on the Responsible Growth Coalition of Robertson County Facebook page.
