Residents urge commissioners to scale back Southmont sports complex over traffic, environment and cost

Multiple Davidson County residents used the public-comment period at the Sept. 8 Davidson County Board of Commissioners meeting to press elected officials to scale back the county’s proposed Southmont Sportsplex, raise plans for more public engagement and say the project risks environmental harm and higher local taxes.

The concerns came from speakers representing Southmont neighbors and longtime county residents who said the project was proceeding without adequate community input. John Isidore, a retired U.S. Army sergeant first class who said he has lived in the community about 17 years, said the county should prioritize infrastructure that “directly benefit[s] our citizens over an entertainment venue.”

Bridal Suite, who identified herself as a resident of Irvin Drive, said she previously gave written recommendations and asked to meet with project designers but had not received a response. “I’m deeply saddened that you have ignored my concerns about my home, my neighborhood, and my community,” she told the commission. Suite said she had asked whether final plans would be brought before the full commission for a vote and said she did not receive an answer at earlier meetings.

David Garvin, who said he moved to Davidson County five years ago, cited a 2015 marketing study in which public opinion had reportedly opposed a sports complex. Garvin said the current project differs only in that the commission now “has the money on hand,” and that he wants a countywide town hall or another marketing survey to test public support.

Marty Smith, a long-time resident, raised environmental and traffic worries, saying runoff and trash would drain toward a nearby lake and that the project’s estimated cost “could be going to these schools.” Smith said he had not found a neighbor who supports the project and warned the facility could be abandoned in years.

At least one commissioner spoke during public comments to clarify process: a county official stated that the facilities committee “makes no decisions” and that final plans would be brought before the full board for open discussion. Commissioners did not take a formal vote on the sports complex at the Sept. 8 meeting.

Why it matters: Speakers argued the Sportsplex would affect traffic patterns, stormwater and neighborhood character, and some urged that county priorities such as schools and roads be weighed against entertainment-oriented projects. Several residents requested an explicit public meeting with project designers and a formal final vote of the full commission before any construction proceeds.

Meeting context and next steps: Commissioners and staff confirmed the facilities committee reviews projects but does not make final decisions; the full board is expected to receive final plans before any approval. Residents said they have received limited direct responses to written recommendations and asked staff to facilitate more engagement. No county action to advance or halt the Sportsplex was recorded during the meeting.

Ending: Residents left the meeting with requests that staff and commissioners provide clearer timelines and a formal opportunity for public review when final plans are ready.