Many homeowners worry encroaching development will hurt the value of their property and their concerns should be considered to ensure that land remains valuable for all stakeholders.
Homeowners throughout Rutherford County have talked about property values being affected by various construction projects.
Folks in the Blackman community to the west of Murfreesboro fear that their houses will be less appealing for buyers if a proposed Bible-story theme park creates major traffic jams from tourists on Manson Pike and Blackman and Florence roads.
Others who live near Middle Point Landfill in the Walter Hill community to the north of the city worry that resale value of homes will plummet because house shoppers don’t want to live by low-level radioactive waste being dumped there.
Even church construction plans can put neighbors on guard about their homes remaining attractive and safe. Residents have expressed opposition to World Outreach Church causing more traffic with an expansion and bigger parking lot in their St. James Street neighborhood off New Salem Highway to the southwest of Murfreesboro.
Some concerns can be unfounded about development that will improve the quality of life and property value by creating nearby opportunities for jobs, housing, shopping and entertainment. Others complaints are valid, especially if people are having to deal with traffic jams on roads, overcrowded schools or crime problems.
No homeowners want to take a hit by seeing their property value fall or remain stagnant while everything else is on the rise. Even if home prices rise slightly through the years after a new development, the property owner is still affected if the rate of increased value is greatly reduced.
By SCOTT BRODEN, The Daily News Journal
