NIMBYs, Greenspace, Chamber reps all speak on Mallory Lane rezoning at public hearing
By Donna O'Neil
doneil@williamsonherald.com
Neighbors, citizens and business owners brought their messages to the Brentwood City Commission this week about the potential rezoning of 54.5-acre lot from residential to commercial at the extension of Mallory Lane and a 15-acre lot, adjacent to the CSX Railroad and Wikle Road West, which could be rezoned from residential to recreational and would be designated as a passive park.
“One acre, one house.”
“Neighborhood parks add value.”
“Commercial property brings at least three times the tax revenue that residential property does.”
These were the central themes of those who spoke at the public hearing held Monday night.
The 54.5 acre lot, also known as the Flagpole Property, has a storied past, which has caused some misconceptions about the current plan. The property was purchased by Dickson-based Tennsco, makers of steel storage and filing systems, in the late 1980s. In 2004, Southeast Venture LLC, commercial developers representing Tennsco, presented a proposal to extend Mallory Lane from its current entrance at Moores Lane through to connect with Concord Road. That proposal was voted down as a result of a referendum vote.
The current proposal dead- ends Mallory Lane within the bounds of the proposed rezoned 54.5 acres, which are directly adjacent to the current commercial development known as Mallory Park. In addition to rezoning the 54.5 acres, Southeast Ventures is offering a 15- acre lot bordered by Old Brooks Road, Wikle Road West and property currently owned by Elias Attea.
Among those who spoke in favor was John Logan of Saddlebow Drive, who said, “This property is prime property for development. These opponents are acting the role of obstructionists. The developer is being responsible to the environment and sensitive to the neighbors with a new park and an increase in tax revenues. I don’t believe at this time there is a better solution. I will not be among the NIMBYs (Not in my backyard).”
Stephen Prince, a member of Brentwood Greenspace also spoke in support, “Personally, I am in favor of the commercial project because of the park and the connectivity. I just want to know there are open green spaces 40 years from now,” he said, referring to the proposed bike paths and walkways that would connect Mallory Lane to Concord Road and essentially the Brentwood Library.
Randolf Stafford, a 15-year resident of Gen. MacArthur Drive, said because he travels he doesn’t get to see his neighbors much. The last time he recalled seeing as many neighbors as there were attending the meeting Monday was when another neighbor’s house burned.
Referring to the potential rezoning of residential land to a commercial development and a park, he said, “I feel as though this is another house on fire. I take great pride in one house, one acre and I only have you as commissioners to rely on to keep that integrity. We have to trust that you will represent us.”
“We put you here to protect our interests and represent us. I’m telling you in this instance I want you to maintain the integrity of our homes.”
As representatives of the Brentwood/Cool Springs Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the board Brad Dunn and president Cindi Parmenter, both spoke in support of the commercial property.
The public comments are now concluded on these two ordinances. City commissioners urged residents and business owners to contact them directly with comments throughout the next few months. The second and final vote on both ordinances will take place Jan. 11, 2010 at the Brentwood City Commission meeting. The second and final reading would have taken place at the Nov. 23 meeting, however a vote by commissioners delayed the project’s decision until January to give residents and commissioners an opportunity to get through the holidays before a decision was made.
Posted on: 11/12/2009
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