WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Wilson County leaders have been reworking their blueprint for growth as population increase and economic development have put pressure on the Master Land Use Plan: Plan Wilson. Years after its initial proposal, residents have been asked to give their feedback.

About 20 miles east of Nashville, Wilson County leaders continue to navigate growth. Officials previously told News 2 that more than 280 people have been added to the county every month since 2010. Wilson County's population was more than 147,700 people, according to the 2020 Census. That's about a 30% increase — and a level of growth that's caused leaders to revamp Plan Wilson.

“What is the guiding vision? How does the public want to see the community grow for the foreseeable future?" Wilson County Planning Director Christopher Lawless told News 2.

Residents have started learning more about the plan via a 92-page draft document. Last week, leaders held a public input meeting.

“A lot of the feedback we get from the public is: preserve the agricultural nature and historic character of Wilson County,” Lawless said.

Agriculture has been the backbone of Wilson County. However, like much of the country, farmland is disappearing. According to the draft plan, the county lost 11,270 acres of farmland between 2001 and 2016.

"This is the final map for the land use plan,” farmer Phil Neal showed News 2.

Sixth-generation farmers and brothers Phil and Perry Neal have been paying close attention and have put an emphasis on preserving farmland.

“We are not advocating shutting the growth down and putting a border around Wilson County," Phil said. "We are just saying, 'Let's slow it down a little bit.'"

Lawless said the community input is important because this new plan affects what the next 20 to 30 years will look like. He added that the community input gathered from online and last week’s meeting will go to the steering committee and a final plan will go in front of the planning commission by the end of the year.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/wilson-co-residents-weigh-in-master-land-use-plan/