NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — As The Nations continues to experience rapid growth, city leaders are looking to ensure that development doesn’t come at the cost of greenspace.  

Thursday, the Nashville Planning Commission heard public comment on the proposed "Nations Neighborhood Plan" — a strategy that aims to address affordable housing, sustainable growth, and a surprising but vital element: trees.

For Luke Watson, owner of Silo Market, expanding the neighborhood’s tree canopy is about more than aesthetics.

“I grew up in Atlanta, and Atlanta has a lot of greenspace, a lot of parks, a lot of trees,” Watson said. “I don't want us to be a city that continues to just tear down trees to give the typical development we have that's just concrete and glass structures."

Metro Councilmember for District 20 Rollin Horton said current building practices often leave little green behind.

“A lot of times when our neighborhood has experienced a lot of the exciting growth that we've had, a lot of times they'll scrape the entire lot, cut down four or five healthy, mature trees and plant only one in its place,” Horton explained. “This ensures that we're one first preserving the mature trees that we have as well as planting new ones to replace all those we’ve lost.” 

Under the proposal, new residential developments would be required to plant 22 trees per acre, effectively doubling the current requirement.

Beyond beautifying the area, trees bring functional benefits. According to Horton, lining both sides of roadways with trees not only provides shade but also encourages safer driving. When streets appear narrower due to tree cover, he said drivers naturally slow down. He added that trees also play a role in stormwater absorption, improve air quality and promote walkability.

“We want the greenery. We want the parks. We want the liveliness that it brings,” Horton said. “And also it's healthier to have trees in your neighborhood.” 

If the Planning Commission votes in favor of The Nations Neighborhood Plan, the proposal will still need to go before Metro Council for final approval. 

Stay with News 2 for updates on the plan’s progress and what it means for the future of The Nations. 

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/the-nations-greener-future/