Matt Mizell: Preserving Davidson County’s Character and Balancing Residential Growth
Opinion:
Matt Mizell
With an additional 30,000 residents living in Davidson County since the year 2000, residential growth has become one of the most pressing issues we face. During our Board of Commissioners Information Meeting on September 4, we held a discussion on potential measures to help slow excessive subdivision growth while preserving the unique character of our community.
Three particular levers discussed were the following:
• Buffering Requirements – subdivisions should include tree screening to protect surrounding properties and to maintain natural beauty and character of the area.
• Removing Lot Density Averaging – this currently allows developers to cluster homes on smaller lots as long as the overall average meets requirements.
• Greenspace Tiering – require a percentage of land to remain undeveloped and preserved in its natural state.
These proposals would build on actions already taken by the board a couple years ago, when lot size and lot width requirements were increased – a step in the right direction. No vote was taken on these new ideas, however, as I asked they be added for consideration – you may consider this a kick-off phase of the process. The next step is to have them reviewed and discussed by the Planning & Zoning Board, with the intention that they’ll bring a set of recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. I share all this for transparency and to ensure this matter does not become “lost in committee.”
The goal is not to stop growth, but to manage it responsibly, ensuring balance. Davidson County needs a full spectrum of housing options to fit varying budgets and preferences of its citizens. At the same time, we must protect the qualities that make our county a desirable place to live. Without careful planning, unchecked development can strain infrastructure, alter our natural character, and increase costs for taxpayers as more services are rendered to more people moving here.
Yes, private property rights are essential, and I fully respect them. But we must also recognize the difference between an individual property owner putting up a shed for example and a large-scale subdivision development that directly affects neighboring homeowners and the broader community.
When developers seek to squeeze every dollar they can out of land, without buffers or greenspace requirements, the result may boost profits but it has unintended consequences for our community. A limited, responsible government must step in to protect the rights of the many, not just the profits of a few.
Davidson County stands at a crossroads. Growth is inevitable, but how we shape it will determine the future character of our community. This is why I support adopting thoughtful measures now to keep growth balanced and sustainable, while being a good steward of the county for our citizens.
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