To all Shannon Glen residents:
I am more on your side than you think, but with your unwillingness to negotiate, you are about to get exactly what you do not want. Here is what is going to happen now:
Your item was pulled off the table because it will not show up again as you see it now. It will never come before the BOMA again, because it will never be a PUD again. The city has the MOST room to negotiate during the PUD process and if it comes before you as a straight zoning (which it will next) it will only come before the Planning Commission. At that level, it meets the zoning requirements and the developer has been known to provide whatever is needed (which is a very good thing for you all) to enhance the project thus getting it approved.
From now on, as long as it meets the zoning requirement, it will be approved. Whatever advice you were given is just plain wrong and in the end it will be to your detriment (if you are against a road and development next to your property). I would be more than happy to fill you in on any of the procedural process from here on out, but unless you get on the stick pretty fast, your moment to negotiate is ending VERY quickly.
Call me a pawn, or a plant, or bought off, or whatever else you like. If you know me at all you know that is just flat incorrect. I was (and still am) after you getting the ability to find a "happy medium" with this development, but your tactics have made that impossible.
Feel free to let me know if I can help, but if I were you I would drop the "all or nothing" approach because you are going to get stuck with nothing.
Be thankful that in the end it is Mr. Gordon's group that is developing this property, because if it were a handful of others you would all be very unhappy in a few months.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Shannon Glen
Friday, May 11, 2007
DuBois and Ketron announce movement on I-65 construction
DuBois and Ketron announce movement on I-65 construction
NASHVILLE – Representative Tom DuBois (R-Columbia) and Senator Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) announced this week that two vital steps are moving forward on the much-needed improvements being made to widen Interstate 65 between the Goose Creek Interchange and S.R. 840.
“These improvements have been needed for quite some time now, particularly for Maury County residents commuting to Williamson and Davidson Counties everyday,” said DuBois. “Senator Ketron and I are pleased to announce that the Tennessee Department of Transportation will begin this work soon.”
“I am very excited to see the beginning of progress of the widening of I-65 in southern Williamson County. Traffic is at the crisis point and it is important we get started on a solution as soon as possible,” added Senator Ketron (R-Murfreesboro).
The first two vital steps in the four-step process, according to DuBois, will be funded and undertaken this fiscal year. First will be the engineering and design to widen Interstate 65 and the Goose Creek overpass interchange. Senator Bill Ketron noted that this first step will be followed by environmental studies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
The final two steps will be the purchase of a right-of-way and the actual building. DuBois stressed his wish that these two steps move as quickly as possible before this traffic problem became worse. “This is a unique situation due to the tremendous growth we are experiencing in Southern Middle Tennessee, and I am pleased that TDOT also sees the importance of the project,” he said.
Both of the aforementioned State Legislators will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting at Heritage Elementary School this Thursday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. All area residents are invited and welcome to share their views on this roadway and any other issues.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Mark your calendar!
I know we have a little bit of time until this date, but I wanted everyone to mark their calendar now! We have a nice opportunity to learn about a variety of issues affecting us at the state level...including traffic concerns. Please plan to attend and show our state reps that we really need a solution to a variety of problems.
I will have more later today on the Monday night meeting, but here is the very short version:
1. Historic Commission passes second reading.
2. Traditional Neighborhood Development passed.
3. Cleburne Road subdivision fails on second reading. The developer did a fantastic thing and gave the deed for the school site to the school system to have regardless of the subdivision approval. More to come later.
Again, more later when I have a free second.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Thank you Jack Johnson!
Williamson and Maury Officials Meet to Discuss Traffic Concerns
NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- State Sen. Jack Johnson (R-Brentwood) held a meeting on Feb. 12 with a group of elected officials from southern Williamson County and northern Maury County to prioritize and communicate concerns regarding area road projects.
Attending the meeting along with Sen. Johnson was the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, State Sen. Jim Tracy; State Rep. Glen Casada; State Rep. Tom DuBois; Williamson County Mayor, Rogers Anderson; Maury County Mayor, James Bailey; Mayor of Franklin, Tom Miller; Mayor of Thompson's Station, Leon Herron; Mayor of Spring Hill, Danny Leverette; and Mayor of Columbia, William Gentner.
The purpose of the meeting was to prioritize traffic concerns of southern Williamson County and northern Maury County, and to foster open lines of communication with state and local officials.
Three areas were identified as major concerns: the widening of Interstate 65 from Highway 96 to Interstate 840, the widening of Interstate 65 from Interstate 840 to Saturn Parkway, and the widening of Duplex Road in Spring Hill.
“I am pleased that this many officials have decided to come together to look at the region’s traffic situation,” commented Sen. Johnson. “We look forward to working with the Department of Transportation and Governor Bredesen to do what we can do to expedite these projects.”
The group of elected officials agreed that widening Interstate 65 was of great importance. The possibility of a reduction in federal funds appropriated for the project was discussed, and Sen. Johnson agreed to contact Congressman Marsha Blackburn’s office to check the status of funding. Duplex Road in Spring Hill is a heavily traveled secondary road that needs attention as well, officials say.
“The meeting was excellent,” said Sen. Tracy. “With this much support from the local officials the lines of communication should remain open and help streamline the process.”
Sen. Johnson also said that he will schedule a series of “town hall type” meetings in conjunction with local officials to discuss these projects with the community.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Ron DeFrancisco's Letter to the Editor
Okay, I was going to post this last week, but heard that it might get accepted by the Williamson AM. I certainly have many thoughts about some of these ideas, but I will save them for the time being because I wouldn't want to bias the poll included. So here you go...the letter to the editor by Ron DeFrancisco (your Ward 1 candidate).
‘They Paved Paradise & Put Up A Parking Lot’
By: Ron DeFrancisco
The song ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ by the Counting Crows best describes what is happening in Spring Hill today, with lyrics like, “They paved paradise and put up a parking lot, with a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swingin' hot spot. Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got 'til it's gone, they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”
Granted, I doubt we will see a pink hotel on R.C. Alexander’s 907 acres of lovely countryside on Buckner Lane, but what exactly is the rush to build anything there? Large lots of open land like this are becoming rare in Spring Hill and what was once a paradise is quickly being turned into a parking lot – see Main Street or I-65 during rush hour.
Realtor Mamie McArthur says that building an upscale mixed use development on this property “will be Spring Hill’s finest hour.” In reality, this will be just another nail in the coffin of a rural and scenic Spring Hill. Our city is already grappling with traffic issues and infrastructure problems trying to support the developments already completed and in progress, and we are now proposing single family homes, townhouses, condos and commercial business on this property. This will only add to the traffic concerns on Duplex Road, Main Street and I-65.
But wait, according to Spring Hill Building Official Ferrell White, “It doesn’t hurt to ask them” to put an interstate exchange onto I-65. That will be great, we will have one more interchange to bottleneck traffic during rush hour and we can all meet up for morning coffee when we park at I-65 and the 840 since that area has yet to be widened.
Adding to this logic, White states “That’s a pretty good site for this (Traditional Neighborhood Development) zoning.” “It allows a little higher density in exchange for open land and amenities.” Right now, the property is all beautiful open land and has no need for amenities, so why build anything? The Traditional Neighborhood Development zoning that is currently under consideration by the Planning Commission allows for 18-24 units per acre and will introduce the once foreign concept of zero lot lines to Spring Hill. We have already populated Spring Hill beyond its capacity to support this population, have approved developments which will double our population again, and plans like this show that there is no intention of stopping, but rather allowing developers to cram more people into smaller areas in the name of progress and profit.
I think it is time for the Planning Commission and the Board of Mayor and Alderman to take a stand and realize that they are allowing paradise to be paved, and if this is not done soon, we will not know what we’ve got ‘til it’s gone. We have plenty of developments already in progress and land that is already zoned for residential or commercial development; we should be using that land first. Re-zoning approvals need to stop being handed out like candy on Halloween night and we need to preserve our open land and rural background while gradually building into the future at a pace that our city and region can fully support.
Now, what do you think? I am going to try to incorporate more polls into the postings to see how those we think about certain issues. Thank you for being our test subject Mr. DeFrancisco!
The daily poll has ended. Click here to view the results.
Thank you for participating!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Things are starting to come together
I hope that everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!
I am personally very thankful (among many other reasons) that our city has FINALLY begun to shake off some of our past habits and are really starting to look proactively at our city in terms of planning. It has begun to shape everything in our city, even despite the wishes of some. In fact, it appears that even those that have historically been most outspoken against some of these measures are even the ones now making and seconding motions. Good stuff...surely there isn't an election approaching? Nah!
Here is a quick glimpse of what happened while most of us were out of town (and of course a little commentary below).
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Economic Development Council has been formed
The amazing part of this article lies with those that oppose it. Here is a funny quote from the article that you should all enjoy.
"According to Cindy Williams, wife of former city mayor Ray Williams, her husband had set up the commission around 2002, but it had 'fizzled out' after a year when they realized larger companies would move to the city regardless of the commission's work."
While Cindy Williams is correct in her assumption that business follows growth, she is very poorly educated on the types of issues that drive major economic development and corporate development. This commission (in the hands of the right people...jury is still out) can be extremely effective in helping develop the right type of business in our city. This can be a tremendous tool for our city, as can a Chamber of Commerce "in the hands of the right people." Hopefully with the departure of some on the chamber, we can make great strides in improving both.
"Williams said she wasn't sure how much the commission could do for the city. She said larger businesses like Kroger, Target and Publix already know about the values and growth rate of Spring Hill without a group convincing them of it."
'Spring Hill will rock along whether they have it or not,' she said.
Now that is the type of attitude a community leader should have (tongue placed firmly in my cheek)! If we do not promote our city, no one else is going to do it for us. Both counties are beyond poor at promoting our city, and only fight us. I am sure that all of the development in Williamson County was brought about by sheer coincidence...especially Nissan!
Someday maybe people will begin thinking before they speak...
(in some cases, maybe they won't)
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Rec-Center approval
This is very much a needed thing. There are quite a few things that stink in this, but one way or another it needs to be done. Do a little research for yourselves and find out how much all of the other communities paid for their rec centers, etc.
I will save you the time...
Brentwood Indoor Recreation Complex - City of Brentwood Contribution: Land
Brentwood Indoor Soccer Complex - City of Brentwood Contribution: Land
Franklin Soccer Complex - Land
Fairview Recreation Center - City of Fairview Contribution: A big fat 'Thank You'
Bethesda, College Grove, Hillsboro, Nolensville, and Thompson's Station - Freebies
...the other communities don't pay for theirs.
Either way...great development for all of us!
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Spring Hill Hospital / Ambulance
The battle wages on...and I can tell you that it is going to get ugly again very soon. The appeal will not be affected one way or another, but if people at Williamson and Maury are listening the PR campaign is about to get rolling again by the Concerned Citizens for a Spring Hill Hospital.
The amount of taxpayer money being spent on this appeal is amazing! More to come soon.
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Money approved for Master Thoroughfare Assessment and Plan
This is probably the most needed thing that our city has done in quite some time.
We will talk about this at length soon (maybe even tomorrow), but it is a very good thing for our city, albeit late.
By the way, the state is planning to start fixing Duplex very soon! Great stuff!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
State Rep Election - Glen Casada
for District 63 TN State Representative Candidates
Responses of Rep. Glen Casada (R)
Question 1:
Please prioritize the following future proposed T-DOT projects that affect the Spring Hill region in order of what you feel are priorities. Also provide your understanding of the status for each project, the action that you would propose to see it completed and a realistic estimated completion date:
Question 2:
Is there a proposed project that has not been included in this list?
Question 3:
It has been said that an additional exit to Interstate 65 would alleviate much of the traffic strain to Highway 31 and would benefit the communities of Southern Williamson County tremendously. Where would you propose be the ideal location of an added exit to Interstate 65?
Question 4:
Some would say that although Williamson County has seen exceptional growth in recent years in comparison to other areas of the state, the amount of state funding for T-DOT projects has not been proportional. What reasons would you attribute to this situation and how would you propose to increase the T-DOT funding that is allocated to projects in our region?
Question 5:
What is your view on illegal immigration and its effect on an industry that is arguably one of Southern Williamson County’s strongest economic industries, the building and housing industry?
Question 6:
This past year, the State of Tennessee had a surplus of over $100,000,000 in estimated State Revenue. What programs would you like to see receive additional funding if future surpluses are realized?
Question 7:
Would you support a “Jessica’s Law” which would establish a minimum 25-year sentence for anyone convicted of molesting a young child in the state of Tennessee?
Question 8:
If you could say just one thing to convince Williamson County residents to come to the polls, what would it be?
Question 9:
Is there anything else that you would like Spring Hill Alternate readers to know about you or your campaign for TN State Representative?
State Rep Election - John Murphy
for District 63 TN State Representative Candidates
Responses of John Murphy (D)
Question 1:
Please prioritize the following future proposed T-DOT projects that affect the Spring Hill region in order of what you feel are priorities. Also provide your understanding of the status for each project, the action that you would propose to see it completed and a realistic estimated completion date:
Question 2:
Is there a proposed project that has not been included in this list?
Question 3:
It has been said that an additional exit to Interstate 65 would alleviate much of the traffic strain to Highway 31 and would benefit the communities of Southern Williamson County tremendously. Where would you propose be the ideal location of an added exit to Interstate 65?
Question 4:
Some would say that although Williamson County has seen exceptional growth in recent years in comparison to other areas of the state, the amount of state funding for T-DOT projects has not been proportional. What reasons would you attribute to this situation and how would you propose to increase the T-DOT funding that is allocated to projects in our region?
Question 5:
What is your view on illegal immigration and its effect on an industry that is arguably one of Southern Williamson County’s strongest economic industries, the building and housing industry?
I support the following plan.
• Securing America’s border: I fully supports the recent decision by Governor Phil Bredesen to deploy over 400 Tennessee National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to assist border patrol agents in stemming the flow of illegal immigrants into our country.
• Protecting the taxpayers of District 63: I support the ongoing efforts of the state to review all social service programs to ensure that illegal immigrants are not placing an undue burden on Williamson County taxpayers by drawing state services that they are barred by federal law from obtaining.
• Getting tough on employers: I fully support bringing all legal means to bear on employers that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.
• Filling the enforcement gap: I fully support improving communication between federal, state, and local law enforcement authorities so that we can identify, detain, and deport illegal immigrants. This does not mean simply shifting the cost of federal enforcement to state and local taxpayers. Immigrants that are detained by the criminal justice system should have their citizenship checked.
As your State Representative, I will fight to deliver meaningful immigration reform.
By following the four steps that I’ve outlined, we can make Tennessee a place that illegal immigrants avoid.
I do not believe that addressing the issue of illegal immigrants will affect the housing in Williamson County. I am a firm believer that there are no jobs Americans will not do if you give them a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. Demand will continue for housing even if contractors comply with the laws of our country and put honest Americans to work in place of illegal immigrants.
Question 6:
This past year, the State of Tennessee had a surplus of over $100,000,000 in estimated State Revenue. What programs would you like to see receive additional funding if future surpluses are realized?
Question 7:
Would you support a “Jessica’s Law” which would establish a minimum 25-year sentence for anyone convicted of molesting a young child in the state of Tennessee?
Question 8:
If you could say just one thing to convince Williamson County residents to come to the polls, what would it be?
Question 9:
Is there anything else that you would like Spring Hill Alternate readers to know about you or your campaign for TN State Representative?
My opponent voted against every attempt by the legislature to give the people of our community the treatment they deserve.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Issues - Traffic (The Other Gorilla in The Corner)
Issues relating to Traffic.
Traffic (The Other Gorilla in the Corner)
This page contains issues directly related to City of Spring Hill TRAFFIC
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