Of interest to folks in Metro Council District 4...

I have sent the following to Metro 4th District Councilman Brent Swope concerning a proposed development for Nolensville Pike at Hold Hills Road:

Dear Mr. Swope,

I posted the following to my Facebook page, Holt Woods Page for Free Expression. I wanted to share it with you as well...

The HOA sent out an email today discussing a proposed development at the corner of Nolensville Rd. & Holt Rd. A message from Councilman Swope stated:

“Goodall Homes would like to propose an adult community covering approximately 37 acres, averaging 3 units an acre, or around 115 units. This property would also include amenities such as walking trails and a clubhouse. This project would not burden the school system and would generate 50% less traffic than a single-family development.”

The person who sent the email then went into a rant that appears to oppose this idea.

I responded to the person with the following:

"You cannot prevent someone else from developing their property forever. As a former planning commissioner, I believe this looks like the best scenario for the property. This sounds like a great project. Or would you prefer apartment buildings?"

Folks, you can't stop projects forever. I have served as a planning commissioner, and I think I know a bit more about property rights and density than the person from the HOA. That property owner has a right to legally develop their property. If developers continue to be shut out, either a developer or the property owner will start suing people. Whether the city gets sued, or a clueless homeowner's association that resorts to knee-jerk reactions instead of thinking things through gets sued, we all will pay.

When I think of all the things that COULD be on that property, this sounds like the least objectionable possibility. As for traffic, lean on Councilman Swope to have Stop signs or stoplights installed at Holt Rd. & Holt Hills Rd. And for heavens sake, let's all lean on Swope to AT LEAST get some guard rails on those two crazy curves on Edmondson Pike. For southbound traffic, that's one heck of a drop-off next to the road.

Councilman Swope will hold an informational meeting about this on Thursday (4th) at 6:30 pm at the Oglesby Community Center across from the Nippers Corner Kroger. Based on what I know at this time, I support this project and urge you to consider doing so as well.

Paul Jensen