Tom Lee Challenges Gallatin City Council on Marina Development Traffic Study Findings

The Gallatin City Council meeting held on August 20, 2025, focused on significant concerns regarding local development and its impact on community life. The session began with public comments highlighting residents' apprehensions about the rapid growth in Gallatin, particularly the increase in traffic and changes to the town's character.

One resident expressed deep concern over the ongoing development, stating that the influx of new homes has transformed the once quaint and safe environment of Gallatin into a busier area. This individual urged the council to reconsider the current growth trajectory, fearing that continued development would diminish the quality of life for long-time residents.

Tom Lee, representing Friends of Old Hickory Lake, presented findings from a recent traffic study that raised alarms about the projected increase in traffic due to new developments. He noted that the study estimated an additional 2,600 daily trips generated by the Marina development, with a significant portion of these trips—approximately 78%—stemming from nearby condominiums and retail spaces rather than the marina itself. Lee questioned the validity of the traffic study's assumptions, particularly the use of an internal capture rate discount, which he argued was inappropriate given the scale of the development.

Lee further elaborated on the potential traffic congestion, indicating that the project would not be completed until 2028, leading to years of construction-related disruptions for local residents. He highlighted specific traffic concerns, including the anticipated exceedance of available storage for turn lanes at key intersections, which could exacerbate congestion on Nashville Pike and Douglas Bend Road.

The meeting underscored the tension between development and community preservation, with residents and representatives calling for careful consideration of the implications of ongoing growth. The council is expected to address these concerns in future discussions as they navigate the balance between development and maintaining the quality of life in Gallatin.