In a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding a proposed residential development near Old Hickory Lake were brought to the forefront. The development, which includes plans for 435 homes, has sparked significant debate among local residents, particularly regarding traffic and infrastructure.

Duncan Floyd, a resident of Bradshaw Road, expressed his worries about the increased traffic that the new homes would bring to already congested roads. He noted that current speed limits are frequently ignored, with drivers exceeding them by significant margins. Floyd highlighted that the narrow roads are already struggling to accommodate delivery vehicles, which often block traffic. He presented a petition signed by 69 residents opposing the zoning changes, emphasizing that many community members were unaware of the proposed development until recently.

Floyd also raised concerns about the impact on local schools, stating that Wilson County schools are already at capacity and struggling to find enough bus drivers. He estimated that the new development could add hundreds of students, further straining the educational resources in the area.

Another resident, Marsha Cummins, echoed Floyd's sentiments, noting that she and her neighbors had been monitoring the situation closely. She expressed gratitude to Floyd for informing her about the meeting and shared her own concerns about the potential changes to their neighborhood.

The meeting also featured discussions about the developers' plans to include green spaces and public walking paths, which some officials praised as beneficial community features. However, the need for variances from existing zoning regulations raised questions about whether the proposed development aligns with the community's needs and existing infrastructure capabilities.

As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged the importance of addressing the community's concerns, particularly regarding traffic management and school capacity, before moving forward with the development plans. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing growth with the needs of existing residents in Wilson County.