Nashville Airport Says They Need To Be Involved With Building Permits And Zoning In Neighboring Counties
Image Credit: Corey Seeman / CC
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
The Nashville International Airport says they need to be involved with the process of zoning and approving building permits in neighboring counties.
Wilson and Williamson counties were sent letters earlier this year, along with a map, highlighting areas that Airport officials say they need to have input on in order to safely and efficiently run the airport.
This comes after a new law was signed by Governor Bill Lee in May that changes how the members of the Airport Authority will be selected.
Previously, all members were nominated by the Nashville mayor and then confirmed by the Metro Council. Six of the eight appointments will now be chosen by the governor, Speaker of the House, and Speaker of the Senate, two appointments each, with the remaining two to be selected by the mayor.
In June, the City of Nashville filed a lawsuit against the state that names Governor Lee, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lt. Governor Randy McNally.
Based on the Home Rule amendment of the Tennessee constitution, the suit argues that the state cannot make laws that apply to only one municipality. In defense of the law, lawmakers have argued that the state’s increased funding for airports means that they should have more say in how airports operate.
Republicans say that zoning decisions will not be taken out of the hands of local officials, citing a clause that states, “this chapter does not limit any power of a municipality to regulate airport hazards by zoning.”
Goodlettsville Representative Johnny Garrett (R-D45) who sponsored the legislation in the House says that because the airport is so close to the two counties that they must consider whether building plans will obstruct flight plans.
Democrats say the language in the new law is vague and could have a chilling effect on economic development in areas within the airport’s overlay.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
