20+ Acres Donated to City of Brentwood for New Park
Nearly 24 acres of land in the Wikle Road/ Gen. McArthur Drive neighborhood was deeded to the City of Brentwood last Thursday for use as a new city park.
The land was donated by Tennsco, which also owns 33.5 nearby acres, known as the “flagpole property,” that the Brentwood City Commission voted in June to rezone as commercial. Mallory Park business park will be extended into the rezoned property.
The donated park property is in two parcels: 14.99 acres is bounded by Wikle Road and the CSX Rail Line and 8.7 acres adjoins the extended Mallory Park property on the north. The 8.7 acres will act as a buffer between the business park and the Gen. MacArthur Drive residential neighborhood.
“I am appreciative to Tennsco for the donation of this valuable land for an additional city park. The inclusion of even more green space in the form of larger residential buffers was also significant.” said Brentwood Mayor Betsy Crossley. “Now, we look forward to incorporating neighbors’ ideas into the future plan of the newly acquired park.”
Wood Caldwell, of Southeast Venture, which represents the landowner, said that the new parkland should offer several benefits.
“Municipal green space is always a great amenity for a city, and I believe this is particularly true for Brentwood. Beyond the natural beauty of a park, in this case it also serves as an excellent transitional buffer between residential neighborhoods and a commercial area. It’s an excellent example of forward-thinking city planning.”
City Commissioner Regina Smithson, who participated in the unanimous vote by the Brentwood City Commission to accept the parkland and rezone land to extend Mallory Park, said that the donation of 20-plus acres for a city park is part of a “win-win-win situation.”
“I want to thank Tennsco and Wood Caldwell for working with the neighborhoods surrounding the “flagpole” property and with the City of Brentwood to come up with a win-win-win situation,” she said. “The city now has additional parkland in the area that was much needed, plus more commercial tax revenues from the 33 acres of commercial property. The developer gave some, the city gave some and the neighbors gave some. In doing so, they ALL received more. Just about everyone was pleased and when the project is complete, I believe Brentwood will be an even better place to live. This is proof that developers, residents and government can work together for the good of all.”
