Neighbors vs Developer – Wades Grove update

Nashville real estate- It all started with request to rezone 20 acres in Wades Grove. The developer and builder of most homes in the neighborhood had every right to ask for this change. The property had been set aside for a city recreation center. Unfortunately, the city decided to build the center in another location.

A large portion of the 20 acres in question is in a flood zone, so building homes is not the most efficient use of the land. The developers proposal for to put up 50 townhouses. In a community planned for 750 homes, it doesn’t seem like  would of a problem. Part of this proposal would be a large swimming pool , tennis courts, and additional parking.

The location of this property is far away(at least 1/2 mile) from any current residents, and is very close to the interstate. Some of the residents of the neighborhood suggested that it would tower of their homes? They would need a telescope just to see it. If they could see over the hill.

Every John Maher development so far has had townhouses somewhere in the neighborhood. It was no surprise to me that he wanted to build some in Wades Grove. What does surprise me is that he let a few loud people convince him that everyone was worried about their property values. 

In his presentation to the home owners of Wades Grove on Thursday, John Maher started his presentation by showing how builders were losing money in a big way. I don’t think anybody was listening. What he didn’t say was that these builders are selling off their land holdings. It would be a good way to recover the millions he has invested in the community without having to wait for several years.

Some home owners in Wades Grove feel like they are entitled to a community of homes that are at least as big and costly as what they own. Unfortunately, if a builder or developer is losing money, they have to adapt to the environment and find a way to become profitable. Some home owners don’t think it’s their problem. Just ask the home owners in Benevento if it’s a problem when the developer loses money.

When a community comes together to prevent a builder from making a profit, they will find a better place to build. I’m embarrassed that I let someone suggest that they were speaking for everyone without speaking up. That person was speaking for himself only.

I have never seen John Maher do anything to hurt the property value of his neighborhoods, so I don’t think this plan would either. I do think he could recover some of the money that he would lose building the pool and tennis courts.

I don’t see anything wrong with the plan. I believe that if everyone had a chance to vote, we would see that not many actually object to the plan. Most just wanted to know what was happening.

John Maher said that he was taking the plan off the table. I think a vote would have been a better solution.

Do you take your Roses with you?

My wife Elizabeth has a rose bush that was originally owned by her grandmother. When she moves, the Rose bush is moved also.

We don’t know exactly how old the bush is, but Elizabeth thinks it’s a least 50 years old.  When we moved to out new home in Spring Hill 2 years ago, she planted her 50 year old bush and bought a new one to plant of the other side of the porch to make the landscaping symmetrical. 

The roses on the new bush cannot compare to the old one in number of blooms, or fragrance of the flowers.