In a recent government meeting, the board approved the final plat for Hawthorne Valley Phase 3, which will add 76 new lots to the existing community. This decision follows a court ruling that overturned a previous denial by the Planning Commission regarding the development's Phase 2, which had already been approved and will bring an additional 80 homes.

Kyle Griffin, representing the developer, emphasized that all necessary approvals from various departments, including the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the local sewer and water authorities, have been secured. He assured the board that the development meets all subdivision regulations and highlighted the commitment to community safety, including plans for reduced traffic signage and staging construction activities further into the site to minimize disruption.

However, local residents voiced significant concerns about the impact of increased traffic on their neighborhood, which currently lacks sidewalks, streetlights, and adequate safety measures. Nate Van Atta, a resident, raised alarms about the potential for congestion and safety risks, particularly for emergency services, given that the community has only one entrance. He argued that the increase in homes would lead to a dramatic rise in traffic, exacerbating existing safety issues.

Thomas Kern, another long-term resident, echoed these sentiments, describing the neighborhood's current traffic challenges and the dangers posed by the steep roads. He urged the board to consider the safety of children and elderly residents, advocating for a second entrance to the development to alleviate potential hazards.

Caitlin Noel highlighted the strain on local school systems, noting that the addition of new homes would extend bus routes and increase ride times for children already facing long commutes. She criticized the development as driven by profit rather than community welfare, calling for the board to reconsider the approval in light of these concerns.

The board's decision to approve the development has sparked a heated debate among residents, who are now calling for further discussions on safety measures and infrastructure improvements to accommodate the anticipated growth in their community.