Completion of 840 Will Bring Change to Parts of Rural Williamson County

The Tennessean, January, 1, 2012

The last few miles of interstate 840 are expected to be complete by the end of 2012. The completion of this project is projected to bring growth and change to a part of Williamson County that has remained relatively quiet and private investors and local officials anticipate the increase in development and traffic to “take off”.

However, currently the City of Fairview, which could see the most growth, has no official plans for extending sewer services, which is crucial for new development. Williamson County, however, has created plans for unincorporated areas such as Triune that have some sewer services. This plan seeks to create a mix of commercial and residential development using existing infrastructure. Read CRT’s Quality Growth Case Study on Williamson County’s rural community planning.

Mt. Juliet’s Growth Forces City to Look at Sewer Rates

The Tennessean, December 25, 2011

Mt. Juliet will need $11.5 million in sewer upgrades over the next ten years and must decide where to find the money to pay for it. City leaders are taking proactive steps to stay ahead of what could be a sewer fund deficit by 2016. City commissioners are currently weighting a 12 percent increase that would right the fund so that expenses no longer outpace revenue. Currently an average sewer bill in Mt. Juliet is $29.04 a month, compared with $23.87 in Gallatin, $31.77 in Lebanon and $32.86 in Murfreesboro respectively.

Columbia Looks Forward to Projects in 2012

Columbia Daily Herald, January 3, 2012

2012 will see Columbia’s City Hall and police department moving into new offices in Columbia’s downtown following the conversion of a former bank building. The new year will also bring completion of the Duck Riverwalk project, which will feature new walking trails along the Duck River and a new farmer’s market barn-style pavilion that will be a featured attraction on the Riverwalk.

City officials will also look for ways to fund a host of improvements to James Campbell Boulevard. The total plan for James Campbell includes promoting a broader mix of development, including housing, alleviating traffic congestion and creating a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. Read more about Columbia’s Planning Process and Downtown Revitalization.

Middle TN Regional Strategic Plans Released

Tennessee Economic and Community Development (ECD), December 16, 2011

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty today announced the release of nine regional strategic plans, including the Northern Middle Tennessee Regional Strategic Plan. Each regional plan outlines how ECD’s field staff will lead new economic development efforts in their regions, support existing networks of local organizations and serve as an effective conduit between the department and regional stakeholders.

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CRT Gives Thanks to Long-term Supporters

The Cumberland Region Tomorrow Board of Directors recently recognized the James Stephen Turner Family Foundation and the Martin Brown family’s Atticus Trust and W.L. Lyons Brown Foundation for their long-term investment in Cumberland Region Tomorrow’s work in our ten-county Middle Tennessee region. Foundation representatives Cabot Pyle and Martin Brown Jr. were on hand to receive thanks from CRT’s Board of Directors and were asked to thank Steve Turner and Martin Brown Sr. for their long-term support of CRT’s work.

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Leiper’s Fork Commits to Downtown Investment

The Tennessean, December 26, 2011

The Leiper’s Fork community is working to become a Tennessee Main Street community to support community development goals and attract business and tourism opportunities in its downtown corridor.

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CRT Launches 2012 Speakers Bureau

CRT is now offering our Speakers Bureau presentations to the ten-county Middle Tennessee region. Contact our office about scheduling a speaker for your organization. The Speakers Bureau provides updates on CRT’s work, Quality Growth services available to local communities, and progress on our Six Issues of Regional Importance.

Wilson County Leaders to Collaborate on Vision and Direction for County

The Tennessean, December 15, 2011

Wilson County Leaders will gather on January 20 under the “Power of One” theme to build consensus on the county’s future direction and growth.

“The upcoming Power of One Conference is about promoting Wilson County, honoring and supporting our leaders, as well as building strong relationships amongst the people who will make important decisions about our future,” said Jeff Gannon, a local State Farm agent and part of the original project.

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Peer Region, Central Indiana, Addressing Regional Transportation Planning

Indianapolis Star, December 14, 2011

The Central Indiana Transit Task Force’s 10-year, $1.3 billion transit overhaul has drawn both praise and concerns. Unveiled Tuesday, the plan to double the size of IndyGo and add train service from Noblesville to Downtown Indianapolis drew applause from neighborhood leaders, nonprofit managers and local politicians, however some are concerned about expected tax dollars and current low ridership.

Indy Connect, Central Indiana’s Transportation Initiative, shows the planning process, next steps, and how Indiana has addressed regional transportation planning as a whole.

New “Citizen’s Guide” Published by Idaho Smart Growth

The new “Citizen’s Guide” from Idaho Smart Growth helps community residents get involved in the process of land use and transportation planning. Although some information is unique to Idaho, many of the guidelines in this resource can be useful for citizen advocacy on smart growth in other locations in the United States.

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