Some Fairview residents disappointed with disappearing landscape
FAIRVIEW, Tenn. (WZTV) -- People who live in the city of Fairview say said area is known for breathtaking greenery, but because of development and the approach of developers some residents are disappointed with the changes.
“Watch 15 or 20, 120 ft. trees get pushed down and oh my goodness. I mean, I would never have thought that it could affect me that way,” said Jim McAlister, resident of Castleberry Farms.
One of the reasons McAlister and his family moved there was because of the greenery, but he said after seeing the actions developers took, he’s taking action.
FOX 17 News Reporter Payton Muse spoke with McAlister’s attorney, Jason Holleman.
“I think the difference of opinion that my clients have with the city is in fact of who has to comply with the tree survey requirements, and then the preservation of trees,” said Holleman.
“And I understand the city's position is that it's not applicable to this particular developer, but we think the ordinance as written, does require those things,” the attorney said.
FOX 17 went directly to city leaders with McAlister’s concerns.
Fairview city manager Scott Collins said the city understands where Castleberry residents are coming from.
“The work that's being done on site does meet the city's codes. We've been out there several times,” said Collins adding that Fairview has an oprdinance that protects the preservation of trees.
“My clients read that this being a large scale development, it applies, and the city is relying upon an exception for single family to family housing,” said the attorney.
Residents said they just want the city to care about the preservation of their land.
“If they paid a bit more attention to keep in some of the prettiness of it,” said McAlister.
“If you've ever heard a 120 foot tree being pushed over, it almost sounds like a scream. ”
