Posted: Apr 30, 2012 10:27 PM CDT
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
On Monday night, some Nashboro Village residents voiced their concerns over plans to build a new 73-unit complex.
Linda Hill told Nashville's New 2 she purchased her home in the Fairview Villas six months ago and it's a place she's happy to call home.
"I got an opportunity to own property there and I've been really excited," she said.
However, that excitement has turned to frustration for Hill and others in her neighborhood as plans to build 73 homes in a small area of Nashboro Golf and Tennis Community are moving forward.The homes will be developed by Woodbine Community Organization.
"We are going to continue with that build and build the 73 units," Woodbine Community Organization's executive Director Cathie Dodd told Nashville's News 2.
According to the organization's Web site, they provide "rental properties for low to moderate income families."
Rent for the upcoming 73 units would be subsidized for residents.
"Its income capped, so nobody over a family of three making $36,000, we wouldn't be able to rent to them," Dodd explained.
Monday night, residents had the opportunity to meet face to face with Dodd and other representatives working on the project.
Residents voiced many concerns about bringing in a large subsidized housing development into their community, including crime and property value.
"When you put 73 units, it's just like dropping a bomb into our neighborhood and you've got to be blind if you don't think, I know you know it's going to affect the economic value of property and whole community [value]. You know that you've got to know that," expressed Hill during the community meeting.
"All I can say is these units were approved probably before you bought yours and they've been there and it is what it is," was the response given to Hill by Woodbine representative, David Kleinfelter. Kleinfelter also explained, "If any one person knew if property values were going to go up or down, it's like betting the horses you would know everything."
However, another upset resident expressed, "You can't answer the low income housing questions, but I bet if it were put in your neighborhood you could but it is what it is."
Residents also had concerns about the narrow road leading up to the development and a potential parking problem.
That was one question the developers were able to answer.
"We have 158 on the site, we are required at least two spaces per unit, we meet that and have 16 additional," said Preston Quirk, with Quirk Designs.
Though some of the resident's questions were answered, many were still upset.
One said, "None of you live in our community and none of you really care about our community. You got up and began by saying, 'we're here as a courtesy to you.' You're right, you are doing your jobs, but we all live here."
No start date for construction on the project has been set.
