GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN) -- Gallatin’s growth is creating conflict among city leaders.

Councilman Pascal Jouvence, who has stressed the need to slow Gallatin’s development, walked out of a city council meeting Tuesday following a loud disagreement with Mayor Paige Brown.

The council had just begun discussions on the first agenda item: rezoning two lots near an existing neighborhood to allow for more townhomes. 

Jouvence allegedly wanted to show photos of the proposed development, but Mayor Brown would not allow it without seeing the materials first. 

“Like I told (Mayor Brown) in a previous email, I cannot do that. Simply because of the Sunshine Law. I cannot provide her my material on an item she can vote on. But she doesn’t want to understand,” said Jouvence. “I showed the material to the young lady who is in charge of the audio/visual, she saw that. There was nothing wrong with it.” 

Jouvence said he did tell Brown about the images before the meeting began. He said this is not the first time she has done this to him. 

“That’s Paige Brown, who wants to control everything with false excuses, and she wants to shut down the voice of the people I represent,” said Jouvence. “My job is to represent my constituents, make sure they have a voice, and the fact that Paige Brown for 3 years now has tried to silence me is unacceptable.” 

Meanwhile, News 2 asked the mayor why she felt the need to step in.

“I want to make sure that whatever we’re disseminating to the public is appropriate and relevant,” answered Brown. “I have to control the meetings, I mean, that is my job. And he could have very simply told me what it was. I just don’t understand the issue.” 

Brown said Jouvence’s reaction was one she had never seen before.

“(We’ve) had a lot of mad council members over the years, and I’ve been pretty upset myself, and no one’s ever walked out. I’m sad, I’m very disappointed. It truly hurts my heart when Gallatin is reflected in a negative light,” said the Mayor. 

As a Gallatin native, Brown said she can relate to the anger and angst towards their growth. 

However, she said this is their new reality and plenty of residents, especially young families, have shown support for what’s happening.

“A lot of people are here having great opportunities, very successful lives, raising their families here,” said Brown. “I certainly wish there were a way to set some kind of timeline for deliberate, measured growth. But people have a right to sell their land (and) you want it developed in the best way possible.” 

In response to Tuesday’s exchange, Jouvence said he will look into taking action against the Mayor. 

“I already contacted my legal team this morning and they are working on an action, if action is possible,” said Jouvence.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/see-you-in-court-gallatin-city-officials-feud-over-development-plans/