After three community meetings and consistent opposition from neighbors, Council Member Kimbrough told the developer she will not support the proposed Cato Road development.
The proposal would have brought nearly 200 homes to six parcels totaling more than 30 acres near the corner of Cato Road and Briley Parkway, surrounding Cumberland Elementary School.
Last night, the developer gave his third presentation on the project. There were many new faces in the room, which matters. Thank you to everyone who told their neighbors, showed up, asked questions, and wrote in.
When it came time to hear from the community, not one person spoke in favor of the project.
The concerns were remarkably consistent. Traffic congestion and safety were the two issues raised again and again by nearly everyone who spoke. Given the location around Cumberland Elementary, those concerns are especially important.
One of the recurring themes in recent meetings about large-scale development in District 1 has been clear: many residents want new housing that fits the area, especially large-lot single-family homes with yards. That message has been repeated across multiple meetings, and it was repeated again last night.
Council Member Kimbrough again reminded the room that she will not be in office forever. She emphasized that change is coming to District 1, and that the community can either help shape that change or let others shape it for us.
That is exactly why showing up matters.
You can watch the developer’s presentation here:
https://youtu.be/v6UzFfJvH8A
Throughout this process, neighbors have been consistent. The concern is not simply “no new housing.” That is not the message.
The message is: no to bad development that creates more problems than it solves.
We want housing that makes sense for this community. We want homes with yards. We want safe roads. We want development that respects existing neighborhoods, school traffic, and the people who already live here.
Repeatedly saying no to poorly planned projects is not saying no to progress.
It is saying that progress needs to be thoughtful, responsible, and rooted in the needs of the community.
Thanks to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and helped make sure the neighborhood was heard.