Neighbors press Collegedale for fixes at stalled Barnsley Park subdivision

Residents of Barnsley Park told the City Commission on Sept. 2 that development problems dating to about 2019 persist: sidewalks stop short, retention ponds are overgrown, lots are unmaintained and a promised pool and some infrastructure remain incomplete. John Randolph, a resident, said the developer has been "dragging his feet" and that families are encountering safety and nuisance problems including rodents and standing water.

City staff and commissioners said they are aware of the complaints. Codes has opened enforcement actions on overgrown lots and will pursue the formal cure process, which staff said can take months and may lead to court proceedings. Staff urged residents to document issues and to bring specific addresses so inspectors can follow up, and they said they will coordinate with TDEC (Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation) and county water-quality staff where drainage and retention-pond maintenance are involved.

Commissioners suggested a neighborhood meeting to walk through civil versus municipal remedies and to prioritize safety concerns such as unstable retention ponds and trip hazards on sidewalks. Staff said the city will continue to press the developer for road and crosswalk fixes and will try to accelerate work where possible, but several items (for example, a privately financed pool that was promised in marketing materials) were not conditions of the PUD and may require legal action by homeowners if they wish to pursue construction or contract enforcement.