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Wednesday, 04/04/07, article by
Heather Donahoe, Tennessean staff writer, Copyright © 2007
Tennessean.com
Q & A with City Commission
Candidate Betsy Crossley
Age:
51
Years in Brentwood: 8
Personal: husband, George, and
two grown sons
Occupation: community
leader/volunteer and retired scientist and schoolteacher
Interesting fact: "I play the
bagpipes. I actually play about nine different instruments. I also
speak Spanish, German and French, and I'm studying Japanese. Music
and languages are my big interest."
Why should voters elect you?
"I've got a passion for the job.
I've been on the Planning Commission for four or five years and
worked hand in hand with the City Commission. I've got a pulse on
what's going on with business, as well as the history of Brentwood.
Having a complete picture of Brentwood — past, present and future —
will help the city move to the future in a very managed way."
With build-out projected for 2016, how do you see the city's
leadership adapting to deal with the corresponding changes?
"That's why this election is so
important. We're in the running not just for predicting what
build-out will be, but to think about economic redevelopment. We
have to think about how we are going to work with an increased
population with finite housing options. I would hope that we would
gain more passive and active parks, increase green space as part of
any new subdivision and have a chance for smaller housing for those
wanting to downsize."
Nearly everyone wants to preserve the city's famous "scenic
views" and green space. What fiscally responsible steps can be taken
to facilitate this?
"One of the major things people
think about when they think of Brentwood is our lovely rolling
hills, but that's not all green space is. It's also making sure that
when you put a house on a lot, you still have a lawn. We can
maintain green space through OSRD and OSRD IP zoning. We're also
trying to see if we can have more people do historic and scenic
easements when working with developers and landowners."
The Town Center development hasn't yet come to fruition. Is it
a good idea? If so, how does Brentwood make it happen?
"First of all, I think there needs
to be a Town Center business owners' association to promote it as it
stands now. That will increase interest right away. Making the
commitment to redevelop that area and make it the kind of place
people want to go will be essential to making it work. One great
thing about Town Center is the potential for residential
developments over the top of commercial establishments. What a great
place for downsizers to move."
What, in your opinion, has been Brentwood's biggest blunder
since incorporation?
"I guess maybe the Mallory Lane
extension from Moores Lane to Concord Road. But that was put to a
referendum, the people spoke and it didn't pass, so it's really a
moot point. But I think it could have helped with traffic flow and
commercial expansion." |
