The Role of Land Trusts in Controversial Land Use SituationsPresented by Bob Brandt, The Land Trust For Tennessee

WHERE DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION STAND?The Land Trust of Danbury (CT)

Shleton Land Trust (CT)

IS YOUR MESSAGE CLEAR?

MAY TOWN CENTERCASE STUDY – NASHVILLE, TENN.

BACKGROUNDBell’s Bend Community

Rural character

Scenic beauty

Agricultural history

Previous conflicts over land use

BELL’S BEND

The rural nature of the Bell’s Bend community.

Agricultural & Cultural ResourceCirca 1930, Buchanan Farm – Site of present day Bell’s Bend Park

67 Known Archaeological Sites

Present-Day Agricultural Use

Fertile Bottomlands

Growing demand for sustainable locally-grown foods

Significant amount of farming remains at core of Bell’s Bend.

Recreational Opportunities

Natural Resources

Wetlands

Streams

Wildlife

Bell’s Bend CommunityGenerations of Commitment

Not the first land use fight

During the early 1980’s, residents of the Bell’s Bend Community rallied to prevent their land from becoming Nashville’s primary landfill.

The land use battle continues today with the May Town Center proposal.

Proposed May Town Center

From this…

Proposed May Town Center

To this…

The Players

Developer The Community

vs.

More than $1 Million marketingMay Town Center web site

Public Relations

Vs.

Small DonationsBell’s Bend web site

Grassroots Support

What’s at stake?

Developer’s Point of View

1500 acres of developable land

Financial investment in the millions

“Visionary” reputation

Community’s Point of View

1500 acres of greenfields which provide countless environmental functions for the greater Nashville area

Rural character of their community

Precedent set for further sprawl

Classic Case of….

Question:

What would your organization do in this situation?