Residents press commission to formally accept Eastland Farms conservancy parcel; vote scheduled Monday

Multiple residents of the Eastland Farms subdivision told the commission March 9 that a roughly 10-acre conservancy parcel adjacent to their homes was donated as green space and should remain undeveloped.

Heidi Owens said the tract was intended by the builder to be preserved and that the sale of the parcel would affect homeowners who bought with the expectation the land would remain a buffer. Residents said developer Danny McCarroll previously told them he would help keep the tract intact.

Commission staff explained that the deed and plat show the parcel in the county's name but that the county commission never formally accepted the conveyance; the draft resolution read at the workshop states that "Cheatham County hereby accepts ownership of the conservancy parcel" and that the resolution will be effective upon adoption. Staff said the item will be on Monday’s agenda for a formal vote to "clean up" the record.

Several residents urged commissioners to vote yes and to preserve the parcel as originally intended. Commissioners noted the parcel appears limited in buildability (a narrow easement and a holler/wooded ravine) and discussed whether such properties should be conveyed to an HOA or a conservation entity in future subdivisions to avoid similar confusion.

Why it matters: Residents said the parcel provides a buffer and aesthetic value for dozens of homeowners and that accepting it into county ownership would clarify stewardship and restrictions.

What’s next: The commission will consider the resolution at its next meeting; no county action was taken at the workshop.