Residents of Mount Juliet voiced their concerns during a recent government meeting regarding proposed housing developments and infrastructure challenges in the area. One local resident raised alarms about a plan to build 99 new homes near Rutland Road, highlighting existing traffic issues and questioning the capacity of the local sewage system to handle the additional load. The speaker noted that the current sewage plant, which services the area, may not be equipped to support the influx of new residents, prompting concerns over who would bear the costs of any necessary upgrades.
Another resident, Lynn Baer, echoed these sentiments, urging city officials to halt further development until the roads can accommodate the increased traffic. Baer pointed out that with each new home likely housing multiple vehicles, the existing two-lane roads would become severely congested, particularly at peak times.
Colleen Richards, a resident concerned about a new gas station and Chick-fil-A planned for the intersection of Lebanon Road and North Green Hill Road, raised issues regarding privacy and noise. She requested information on whether sound barriers or landscaping would be implemented to protect the residential area from the anticipated increase in traffic and potential crime associated with commercial developments.
The discussions reflect a growing unease among residents about the rapid pace of development in Mount Juliet and its implications for infrastructure, traffic, and community well-being. As the city continues to expand, residents are calling for a more measured approach to development that prioritizes necessary upgrades to roads and utilities.