In Hendersonville, Tennessee, the Sumner County Planning Commission recently rejected a contentious proposal for a new residential development. The Hunter Ridge project, which aimed to construct 64 homes on 114 acres near Timber Hills Road, faced intense resistance from local residents. Concerns over traffic congestion, environmental impact, and disruption to wildlife fueled the opposition during a heavily attended public meeting on Tuesday.
At the heart of the dispute was the developer’s plan to connect the proposed subdivision to Timber Hills Road, a cul-de-sac that neighbors argued was not designed to support the increased traffic the new homes would generate.
Residents Push Back Against Traffic Concerns
For Timber Hills residents like Todd Word, the project’s potential impact on their quiet street was unacceptable. A resident for nearly two decades, Word highlighted a traffic study estimating the development would add 660 daily vehicle trips, primarily funneled through Timber Hills Road.
“This is a dead-end road,” Word emphasized. “It’s not equipped to handle this kind of volume. For us, this isn’t just about inconvenience—it’s about preserving the safety and character of our neighborhood.”
Word was joined by dozens of concerned neighbors who expressed similar worries during the commission meeting.
Protecting Local Wildlife and Habitats
Traffic wasn’t the only issue on residents’ minds. Many feared the development would destroy the surrounding area’s natural beauty and wildlife habitats.
“This is a place where deer, turkeys, and even foxes make their home,” Word said. “The loss of trees and natural spaces will have devastating consequences for these animals and the ecosystem.”
Developers Respond to Criticism
Developers with Civil Land Co., including company president Cal Gentry, attempted to address these concerns at the meeting. Gentry stated that while they understood the frustrations, the project adhered to all existing county regulations.
“We operate within the guidelines we agreed to when we took on this project,” Gentry explained. “We’re not trying to harm the environment or disrupt the community. However, we have to follow the rules that are in place.”
Gentry also noted that the developers themselves were not in favor of connecting the new homes to Timber Hills Road but felt compelled to do so under the current framework.
A Clear Decision from the Planning Commission
Despite the developers’ reassurances, the planning commission ultimately sided with the residents, unanimously voting against the proposal. Their decision cited concerns about increased traffic, road infrastructure, and environmental impact, reflecting the passionate opposition voiced by the Timber Hills community.
Commissioners made it clear that the overwhelming feedback from residents played a significant role in their deliberation.
A Community United
For the Timber Hills neighborhood, this victory represents more than just stopping a development—it’s about safeguarding their way of life and protecting the environment.
“This isn’t the end of our involvement,” said one resident after the vote. “We’ll remain vigilant about future proposals to ensure our voices are heard.”
The defeat of the Hunter Ridge proposal has further solidified the community’s commitment to advocating for responsible development that aligns with their values and preserves the integrity of their neighborhood.
By standing together, Timber Hills residents demonstrated the power of collective action, sending a strong message about the importance of balancing growth with environmental stewardship and community needs.
