Collegedale residents speak out against land rezoning

COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Collegedale Planning Commission is looking to potentially rezone land for a new development of a few hundred homes.

Seemingly all of Collegedale appeared at City Hall tonight and sent a clear message — they’re not interested.

The commission voted unanimously, 7-0, to defer the zoning request and PUD pending completion of a traffic study and fire marshal report.

Nearly 600 homes and townhomes would be established on a beloved agricultural site in Collegedale.

Hundreds flocked to the meeting to show that the site development was not just unwanted but would change the town’s very identity.

Mike Price spoke on behalf of Empire Communities and says the heritage of the land is not lost on the homebuilders.

A rezoning request would change 408 of the 550-acre Edgmon Road property from agricultural to single-family residential.

The property includes Hidden Hills Farm & Saddle Club — a landmark of the local community.

“I understand it’s been in its current state and condition since I was a kid,” Price said. “It’s not going to stay that way forever as I envision it, as I see it. Parts of it can, parts of it will, but it can’t stay in its current state because that’s not the wish of the current property owners.”

Most, if not all, residents who spoke expressed dissatisfaction with the rezoning.

The majority agree the property owners have every right to do as they wish but argue that traffic would be a nightmare and that Collegedale would cease to be Collegedale.

“I’m not saying the property shouldn’t be rezoned — the community has every right to do that,” said Resident Matthew Paige. “But what I am suggesting is that special care should be taken to avoid forever losing the history of this land and please give respect to the Native Americans that once lived and died here.”

“I strongly implore you for the sake of a rare community untouched by parasitic suburban living to deny Empire the rezoning they wish to see take place,” said Resident Austin Miller.

“There was a slide that pointed out how natural and rustic the view would be with the new development,” said another concerned resident. “I just have to say you cannot beat the current natural rustic environment we already have.”

“Once these developers and investors leave, they’re gone,” said Resident Doc Tucker. “They don’t have to look at the impact of this. I know my old buddy, Bud, is rolling in his grave right now. He can hear what’s going on. This isn’t a good idea — really.”

One speaker said she knows a family who drove two-and-a-half hours to Collegedale to enjoy the farmland, arguing the city should take advantage of the tourism.

Another said he would move if the proposal was passed.

The matter will be discussed again at the next planning commission meeting in August.