NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Mayor: Clarksville Neighborhood Isn't Blighted

Mayor: Clarksville Neighborhood Isn't Blighted

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Tempers flared in Clarksville Thursday night over the issue of blighted homes in the city and a plan to develop them.

A capacity crowd inside Burt School kept several dozen people from attending a public hearing. 

The fire marshal only allowed 180 people inside. 

This left a big group outside the building.

People gathered wanted to sound off about a plan that originally called their community blighted. 

"My husband and I have spent 25 years of married life together, fixing it up, making it a home and they're not going to take it," said Debbie Hunt.

Several people in the group said they think the city designated their property as blighted to take and sell to developers.

That's the whole part of getting property, and acquiring property," said Nanette Atkins. "Now, you're gonna to come and take our stuff. What they gonna do? Push us to the rural areas?"

Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper said that designation was part of an old redevelopment plan. He said a new plan doesn't call for the city to take over anyone's property.

"We have no interest in that," Piper said. "I happen to be opposing to that. I do not agree that governments should take property by using eminent domain or condemnation and give to developers."

The original "blighted" plan got started two years ago.

Piper said if a couple of people stand in the way of a big project, the developer can ask the city to intercede.

But the mayor said that would only happen after the matter is voted on by four separate government groups. 

People at the public hearing filled out comment cards. The mayor said those comments will be part of another revision of the plan, which goes before the Clarksville City Council for a vote next month.