Update: Campbell Property Annexation and Proposed Development | Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1597170031286{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Dear friends and supporters,

The West Harpeth area of Franklin is currently facing potential residential development. Developers have petitioned the City of Franklin to annex the Stewart Campbell, Jr. Trust property, 58 acres adjacent to Gentry Farm and historic Hamilton Place, to build 157 homes and townhouses. This type of density will forever change the character of our landscape, and arguably the last rural area in Franklin.

Historic corridors like Old Charlotte Pike and the West Harpeth watershed are pathways that connect us to our past. From Native Americans to Revolutionary land grants to pioneer families, the fertile landscape along the West Harpeth River and its tributaries contributed greatly to Williamson County’s unique historic character. Reflected on the Old Charlotte Pike historic corridor are two Tennessee Century Farms and two properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each homestead represents the architectural, environmental and cultural significance of why preservation in Williamson County matters.

Amid growing concerns for the protection, preservation and continued use of these historic corridors, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County urges its members, supporters and all concerned Williamson Countians to stand with the property neighbors and organizations like the Harpeth Conservancy against the proposed annexation of the 58-acre property. Without annexation, the development would be restricted to much lower density levels, achieving what we believe is a more conscientious and managed approach to development should the development of the property move forward.

Here’s how you can help:

Sign the citizen-led petition to demonstrate to elected officials of the City of Franklin and Williamson County the importance of this property and the decisions surrounding its future: https://www.change.org/p/protect-gentry-farm-and-franklin-s-historic-old-charlotte-pike-east
Contact your City of Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Planning Commission members expressing your concern for this property and urging them to revisit the Envision Franklin plan with the County’s Williamson 2040 plan.
Virtually attend the Board of Mayor and Alderman Work Session at 5:00 p.m. next Tuesday, August 11.This is the first City meeting of several, where citizens can be heard about various proposed changes to the West Harpeth area that would pave the way to high-density development. In this meeting, BOMA will discuss the Major Thoroughfare Plan. This plan is the long range roadway network plan for the City and provides guidance on where to build new roads as development occurs. Specifically, the Major Thoroughfare Plan currently shows a road running along the west property line of the proposed development, and both the developer and Aldermen want to discuss whether there are options for realigning this road. This road would not only serve the proposed high-density development but could also introduce additional commercial opportunities along the road, which would again completely change the character of this rural area. We encourage you to email comments and questions about this road prior to 4:30 p.m. next Tuesday to recorder@franklintn.gov to be read aloud and you can tune in via the City’s Facebook Live, YouTube channel or the City’s website.

Historic preservation is all about managing change over time. We are at a tipping point for the West Harpeth area of Franklin, and the Heritage Foundation urges the City of Franklin and Williamson County to reevaluate the land-use plans for this soon-extinct rural area. We realize that development is inevitable, and for 53 years we’ve been helping our community navigate smart and managed growth. We’re here to help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_button_gradient size=”medium” text_color=”dark” url=”https://www.change.org/p/protect-gentry-farm-and-franklin-s-historic-old-charlotte-pike-east” target=”_blank” align=”center”]Sign Petition Here[/mk_button_gradient][/vc_column][/vc_row]