After nearly 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Murfreesboro, City Planning Director Joseph Aydelott today announced plans to retire as director effective December 5, 2014. His career spanned over three decades, including a number of significant plans and studies that have contributed to the growth and character of a vibrant community.

"Joseph Aydelott led the City's Planning Department and oversaw Murfreesboro's growth and contributed to its attractive qualities," said City Manager Rob Lyons. "This City could not have achieved nationally recognized success without the longstanding commitment and planning expertise provided by the Planning Department. Joseph played a critical role in many of the City's most significant developments."

Aydelott began his career with the City of Murfreesboro in 1984 and became Planning Director in 1991. In 1990, the City population was just under 50,000. Today, the population is estimated at 118,676. Between 2000 and 2013, Murfreesboro grew by more than 35,000 residents and is expected to double by 2035. During the early part of that period, 2000-2007, Murfreesboro annexed more than 1,000 acres per year, overwhelmingly at the property owner's request.

During his tenure City growth and expansion called for a number of land use plans to include Salem, Blackman and Maney Avenue, as well as a Major Thoroughfare plan and plans for wastewater facilities. Perhaps the most notable recent achievement has been the Gateway Project anchored by The Avenue and growing retail and restaurant space. Currently, the city is engaged in the process of developing a new 20-year comprehensive plan dubbed Murfreesboro 2035.

More tangible to the typical citizen has been the visible growth in the City's housing development and construction. The number of lots approved on final plats in Murfreesboro reached a high-point of 2,167 in 2005 during the housing boom. While lots dipped in the Recession, subdivision development has again resumed an upward trend. Commercial development in Murfreesboro also reflects higher growth in recent years. Both Commercial Permits and Site Plans have been trending higher.

Aydelott's professional experience also includes service in the American Planning Association and the International Right of Way Association as well as providing his expertise as a member of the Main Street Revitalization Program Board of Directors from 1993-2014. Aydelott is a Hickman County, Tennessee native and graduated from MTSU in 1982 with a degree in Urban Planning. He and his wife Katherine Scott have been married 23 years.

The City Manager will conduct a nationwide search for a new planning director. Assistant to the City Manager Shannon Logan will serve as interim director until a new planning director is named.