Protesters rallying to keep a new development out of Williamson County were supported by plenty of honking horns.
A group with signs that said, “Save Stephens Valley,” stood outside Grassland Elementary School in Franklin Wednesday afternoon to bring attention to their cause.
“It’s simply the right thing to do,” said Laura Turner, a member of the Save Stephens Valley group. “We have history here we need to protect.”
The proposed $1 billion, 850 acre Stephens Valley development would be located near Loveless Café and the Natchez Trace Parkway. Around 726 acres would be located in Williamson County, while the remainder of the project would be in Davidson County. The Williamson County portion would include 1400 single family homes. The Davidson County portion of the development has already been approved, and would include office and retail space.
Turner said the massive, high density project would not only hurt the natural and historic beauty of the area, but it would bring increased traffic.”
“We are not against growth,” said Turner. “We’re against growth that isn’t smart and placed where it should be.”
Developer John Rochford said he appreciated residents’ feedback on the project. He said 500 acres of the project would feature open green space, and he is committing $10 million in road improvements to handle traffic.
“We will be putting in deacceleration and acceleration lanes to move traffic,” said Rochford. “We will also be widening Sneed Road in sections.”
Turner said neighbors still had concerns and she encouraged them to reach out to members of the Williamson County Planning Commission.
The Williamson County Planning Commission will discuss the issue at the Apr. 14th meeting at 7 p.m.
