Lebanon council approves Wilson Farms road deal, approving $1.2 million in city funds for SR‑109 improvements

Lebanon City Council voted to authorize a development agreement and related budget and escrow measures to fund safety and roadway improvements at State Route 109 and First Avenue that are part of the Wilson Farms development, councilors and staff said.

The council approved the development agreement (item 257177) and three linked first‑reading budget and escrow measures — a budget amendment for the SR‑109/First Avenue improvements (item 257178), an escrow agreement with Wilson Bank & Trust as escrow agent (item 257179) and a separate first‑reading budget amendment authorizing city funds for the project (item 257178) — after about three hours of discussion that focused on the project’s public cost, developer contributions and traffic safety.

Why it matters: The measures commit the city to help pay for a traffic signal, turn lane and other improvements at the State Route 109 corridor that city staff and the Tennessee Department of Transportation say are needed for safety and to enable new commercial access. Proponents said the improvements have been sought for 15 years and the proposed retail development will increase sales tax revenue. Opponents said the city should not front significant taxpayer funds for infrastructure primarily serving a large private developer and a national retailer.

Council debate and staff explanations

Councilor Ashley raised…