Green-space advocates shift focus

Hillside, watershed protection, passive parks are on agenda

By HEATHER DONAHOE
Staff Writer

BRENTWOOD — Recent fine-tuning of Brentwood's 2020 Plan — a blueprint for the next 14 years in the city — has left advocates of more public green space in the city hopeful that their cause may be given priority in the city's long-range plan.

Citizens for Brentwood Green Space made a presentation at the Dec. 11 City Commission meeting, in which group members implored city leaders to use the 2020 Plan as a vehicle to more clearly define and claim land for natural public space.

The group put forward a 2004 referendum that would have authorized the city to float up to $50 million in bonds to finance the purchase of large green spaces, such as Cal Turner's Franklin Road farm. The organization was established in 2003 by Stephen Prince, a local businessman.

The referendum was defeated by a slim margin — about 2 percent — but the group's members say their objective hasn't changed and their resolve is still strong.

Citizens for Brentwood Green Space now is promoting the establishment of passive parks, the protection of hillsides, saving and enhancing watersheds and continuing to develop pahways, bikeways and trailheads in a connective pattern throughout the city, group member Bert Bosse told the City Commission.

"Our mission and our goals have not changed … even though we have lost well over a thousand acres to development in the last few years," Bosse said. "That means all those acres of land are no longer available for preservation. That acreage is now lost forever."

Citizens for Brentwood Green Space leader Gil Hutchinson said the group's hope is that city leaders will be open to the idea of setting aside — purchasing — at least 1,000 acres of the estimated 7,000 remaining undeveloped acres in Brentwood. The group also voiced an interest in seeing those intentions defined in the amended 2020 Plan.

In response — and in a move characteristic of the city's support of green-space efforts — Brentwood City Manager Mike Walker added a proposed goal and objective that could be included in the 2020 Plan, which the City Commission will consider Jan. 8 for approval.

The new goal states that city leaders will "consider the creation of an advisory board to promote the identification, preservation, dedication, acquisition and use of additional public and private open space for Brentwood in a cost-effective manner."

Walker explains that while he shares the group's desire for more green spaces, he has practical considerations to take into account, such as property owners who are uncomfortable with selling parcels for bikeways and walking paths. Further, Walker points to the red tape associated with getting clearance from railroad companies that have tracks running throughout the city as a impediment to reserving open space.

New projects include trails, greenways

Despite the obstacles, Brentwood leaders already have made considerable strides in preserving and pursuing green space.

Each of the city's new road projects includes separated bikeways. Walker said the ideal strategy is typically to tie new bikeways in with the 13-mile network already running throughout the city.

"Obviously, it's much easier to do that type of thing during a project than it is to attempt it on land that has already been developed," he said. "What (CBGS) is trying to get is wonderful, but you have to look at it a little more practically."

Walker said the group can further its cause by creating an inventory of existing open space in Brentwood. Members could also help by opening a dialogue with landowners who might be willing to donate property to the city, Walker said.

Hutchinson said his group has been pleased with the city's forward-thinking approach to green-space planning.

"Everyone is aware that green-space preservation is one of the biggest issues in this city," Hutchinson said. "This city has always been very progressive on this issue, and I'm confident that will continue."

But many are opposed to the group's interest in using city money to further the green-space cause.

Bill Aiken, an outspoken opponent of the 2003 referendum, said Citizens for Brentwood Green Space's plan resembles a "socialist agenda."

"It looks like the Prince of Bel Air and his merry band of bandits are at it again," Aiken said of the Dec. 11 presentation. "I love open spaces as much as anyone else, but I don't want the citizens of Brentwood to have to pay through the nose for that to happen because of increased property taxes. I don't disagree with (CBGS's) philosophy, I disagree with the way they want to implement it."

Contact Heather Donahoe at 771-5477 or hdonahoe@tennessean.com.