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Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manchester aldermen approve sale of Hackett Hill lots for mixed-use development
Manchester aldermen have approved the sale of six lots within the city's Hackett Hill property to a local developer with plans to transform the site into what's described as a 'first-of-its-kind' mixed-use development for the Queen City. It will feature 230 modern townhomes, 96 multifamily garden units, and 96 mixed-use units. On Tuesday, city aldermen voted unanimously to approve the sale to Manchester-based Socha Companies, after members of the aldermanic Commitee on Lands and Buildings voted to deem the six lots (Lots 15, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, and portion of 15M) totaling 88.3 acres in the Hackett Hill property — also known as Northwest Business Park — surplus, and forgo a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the land. 'There was broad consensus on the board last night, it went unanimously,' Mayor Jay Ruais said Wednesday. 'The project itself, I think, is going to offer us a great opportunity to open up this parcel of land, bring in desperately needed new housing. It's a beautiful mixed-use site with a walkable community. 'I think these are some of the great things that we're going to be bringing to Manchester in the years ahead, and you have a local developer who already has a proven track record of being successful in the city of Manchester, working on great projects, and using local contractors as well to do the work. This is going to be a true hometown success story here in Manchester.' No purchase price was mentioned publicly during Tuesday's meeting. The Northwest Business Park is comprised of land that poses significant challenges for development. The area is known for its shallow depth to ledge and very steep grades. The parcels being discussed contain more than 18 acres of steep slope (greater than 25%) area and estimated to contain approximately 3 acres of jurisdictional wetlands. In addressing the 'public good' that would come from forgoing the RFP process, Alderman Joe Kelly Levasseur said he has sat on or been involved with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen since 1999, and the site still sits unused. 'Over the last 25 years that I've been involved in city politics, there was one buyer who went in there and had to be foreclosed on,' Levasseur said. 'We've recently just had a big commercial bio fabricator come in and say they were interested, and then go through motions and sales and numbers which took that property off the market for at least a year, and then pulled out. We've been sitting here not collecting property taxes on any of that land for almost 40 years. So we will now have a purchaser and a buyer, the Socha family, who have done amazing work in the city of Manchester.' Alderman Pat Long said Socha Companies has built in the vicinity of the Hackett Hill site. 'They know the land, they know what they need to do with the ledge, and that gives me confidence,' Long said. 'The fact that this is mixed-use — it'd be nice to get a cleaner there. It'd be nice to get a barber. It'd be nice to get plenty of things that will add to the economic development on the West Side.' Levasseur said Socha Companies will be fixing and rebuilding a road that currently goes through the property, at a cost of about $2.5 million. 'We believe that once the Socha family starts to build in there and reconstructs that road, that more developers, commercial developers, home developers, businesses, will have an opportunity to be able to use that road to get to other spots on that property,' Levassuer said. 'I believe there's another 250 acres or so that is still going to be available after this proportion is sold off, so we're looking at finally getting something done. 'Thank goodness I'm going to be having this done while I'm sitting here, because it's been something I've been really, really wanting for a long time.' The first phase of Socha's plan for the site is a 230-unit residential townhouse development to be constructed on Lots 15 & 15D on the west side of the access road. All units will be market-rate rentals with a mixture of two and three bedrooms. The second phase of development will be on Lots 15B and 15C on the east side of the main access road. This development will include an initial mixed-use component on Lot 15C followed by a multi-family development on Lot 15B. Underground parking would be provided in the basement of the buildings for residents. This area would create 48,000 square feet of commercial space and 96 residential units. Lot 15B would then be developed with conventional, mid-rise, multi-family buildings accessed through the mixed-use development on Lot 15C. These buildings are also envisioned to be four-story buildings that will add an additional 96 residential units. All traffic to and from the development will be accessed via the Hackett Hill neighborhood to the north. Socha Companies will need to work with the city to prepare a Traffic Impact Assessment that studies the potential impacts to the Hackett Hill Road and Route 3A roadway networks.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Election season heats up as 3 candidates join race for alderman
Manchester's municipal primary election isn't until September, but there was a flurry of political activity in the Queen City Thursday night and Friday morning, with three candidates for alderman announcing runs for office. Chris Morgan Chris Morgan Current Ward 1 Alderman Chris Morgan announced he will seek one of two at-large seats on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen — currently occupied by Dan O'Neil and Joe Kelly Levasseur. With the Ward 1 seat up for grabs, former mayoral candidate, state senator and alderman Kevin Cavanaugh and planning board chairman Bryce Kaw-uh both announced Friday morning they are running to succeed Morgan. In announcing his candidacy for an at-large seat, Morgan — CEO of Manchester Youth Sports — said it's been an honor to serve Ward 1 and he's 'excited to now have the opportunity to work for the honor to represent every ward of this great city.' 'My focus will be to campaign diligently to earn every vote and if elected, continue my focus on constituent services and citywide issues,' Morgan said. 'As I've worked on pressing issues across Manchester, I've had many people ask if they can support and vote for me. Now, as an At-Large candidate, I can finally say yes, and I look forward to serving the needs of residents in every corner of Manchester.' Cavanaugh, born and raised in Manchester, said he's running for his old ward 1 seat because he loves the Queen City and 'will always be here to fight for it.' Kevin Cavanaugh Kevin Cavanaugh 'After serving 8 years as Alderman in Ward 1 and 6 years in the State Senate, I'm ready to get back to work to fight for what I believe in,' Cavanaugh said. 'Public safety and public education will always be the cornerstone of my campaign. Our three kids went through the Manchester public school system and I will always advocate for all kids in Manchester. Working with developers and communities to make home ownership a reality is the foundation of Manchester's history.' Cavanaugh said his track record shows he is 'willing to reach across the aisle on any issue that will make Manchester affordable for all working families,' and running for the 'entire community.' Cavanaugh was first elected to represent Ward 1 on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 2015, and served in the state Senate from 2017-2023. He ran an unsuccessful attempt to unseat former Mayor Ted Gatsas, a Republican, from the Executive Council in 2022. Gatsas won by almost four percentage points. His mayoral bid in 2023 came up short, losing to Mayor Jay Ruais 9,428 to 8,933. Kaw-uh, currently the chair of the Manchester Planning Board, made his run for the Ward 1 seat official Friday morning. Bryce Kaw-uh Bryce Kaw-uh 'With everything going on, we need leaders who will fight for our values at City Hall,' Kaw-uh said in an email. 'My record is clear — I show up and do the hard work. I advocate for affordable housing, fiscal responsibility, and public education. And I care deeply about this city.' Kaw-uh's 2023 bid for the ward 1 seat fell short, losing to Morgan 1,452 to 1,360. More information about his candidacy can be found at Morgan, Cavanaugh and Kaw-uh join several other candidates who announced campaigns in recent weeks. Jason Bonilla, school board member from Ward 5, announced he will run for alderman this year. Ruais is running for reelection as mayor, with Ward 6 Alderman Crissy Kantor his lone opponent as of Friday. The official filing period for Manchester's 2025 municipal election runs from 8 a.m. Monday, July 15, to 5 p.m. Friday, July 25. The municipal primary is scheduled for Sept. 16, and the general election for Nov. 4.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Election season heats up in Manchester, as 3 candidates launch campaigns for alderman
Manchester's municipal primary election isn't until September, but there was a flurry of political activity in the Queen City Thursday night and Friday morning, with three candidates for alderman announcing runs for office. Chris Morgan Chris Morgan Current Ward 1 Alderman Chris Morgan announced he will seek one of two at-large seats on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen — currently occupied by Dan O'Neil and Joe Kelly Levasseur. With the Ward 1 seat up for grabs, former mayoral candidate, state senator and alderman Kevin Cavanaugh and planning board chairman Bryce Kaw-uh both announced Friday morning they are running to succeed Morgan. In announcing his candidacy for an at-large seat, Morgan — CEO of Manchester Youth Sports — said it's been an honor to serve Ward 1 and he's 'excited to now have the opportunity to work for the honor to represent every ward of this great city.' 'My focus will be to campaign diligently to earn every vote and if elected, continue my focus on constituent services and citywide issues,' Morgan said. 'As I've worked on pressing issues across Manchester, I've had many people ask if they can support and vote for me. Now, as an At-Large candidate, I can finally say yes, and I look forward to serving the needs of residents in every corner of Manchester.' Cavanaugh, born and raised in Manchester, said he's running for his old ward 1 seat because he loves the Queen City and 'will always be here to fight for it.' Kevin Cavanaugh Kevin Cavanaugh 'After serving 8 years as Alderman in Ward 1 and 6 years in the State Senate, I'm ready to get back to work to fight for what I believe in,' Cavanaugh said. 'Public safety and public education will always be the cornerstone of my campaign. Our three kids went through the Manchester public school system and I will always advocate for all kids in Manchester. Working with developers and communities to make home ownership a reality is the foundation of Manchester's history.' Cavanaugh said his track record shows he is 'willing to reach across the aisle on any issue that will make Manchester affordable for all working families,' and running for the 'entire community.' Cavanaugh was first elected to represent Ward 1 on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 2015, and served in the state Senate from 2017-2023. He ran an unsuccessful attempt to unseat former Mayor Ted Gatsas, a Republican, from the Executive Council in 2022. Gatsas won by almost four percentage points. His mayoral bid in 2023 came up short, losing to Mayor Jay Ruais 9,428 to 8,933. Kaw-uh, currently the chair of the Manchester Planning Board, made his run for the Ward 1 seat official Friday morning. Bryce Kaw-uh Bryce Kaw-uh 'With everything going on, we need leaders who will fight for our values at City Hall,' Kaw-uh said in an email. 'My record is clear — I show up and do the hard work. I advocate for affordable housing, fiscal responsibility, and public education. And I care deeply about this city.' Kaw-uh's 2023 bid for the ward 1 seat fell short, losing to Morgan 1,452 to 1,360. More information about his candidacy can be found at Morgan, Cavanaugh and Kaw-uh join several other candidates who announced campaigns in recent weeks. Jason Bonilla, school board member from Ward 5, announced he will run for alderman this year. Ruais is running for reelection as mayor, with Ward 6 Alderman Crissy Kantor his lone opponent as of Friday. The official filing period for Manchester's 2025 municipal election runs from 8 a.m. Monday, July 15, to 5 p.m. Friday, July 25. The municipal primary is scheduled for Sept. 16, and the general election for Nov. 4.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Franklin to name new 233-acre park after former Alderman Pearl Bransford
The Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently voted to name its new 233-acre municipal complex after a former alderman who died in 2020. The Southeast Municipal Complex and Robinson Lake will be known as 'The Pearlene M. Bransford Complex' once it opens to the public. An exact construction timeline has not yet been released for the project, but the complex is expected to break ground later this month, according to city officials. Despite having West Tennessee roots, Bransford was a Franklin resident for more than 35 years and held elected office for almost 25 of them. At the time of her death, she was serving the city as an at-large alderman, a position she'd held since 2007. Bransford had also served as a member of the Franklin Special School District Board of Education for 11 years. 'Pearl brought immense energy to her work as an alderman and there was never a question as to where she stood on issues when she voiced her opinion," Franklin Mayor Ken Moore said. "She knew how to stand firm, and at the same time, be flexible. Placing her name on the Southeast Park recognizes her passion for community parks but also her broad contribution as an elected leader. "Her council is still missed every day.' Bransford championed historic preservation, especially in Franklin's traditionally Black neighborhoods. She was serving her fourth term as the only Black member of the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen when she died. In 2002, she established Natchez Place Inc. and worked to place the Natchez Street area on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, Bransford was an advocate for affordable housing and served on the City's Housing Commission. When she wasn't serving as an elected official, Bransford was championing healthcare workers. She earned at bachelor's degree in nursing from Tennessee State University, another bachelor's degree in health arts from the University of St. Francis in Illinois and a master's degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University before embarking on an 18-year nursing career at Vanderbilt Medical Center. In 2021, Bransford's family and Franklin Tomorrow partnered to create a scholarship in her honor with funding to support students pursuing degrees in the health sciences at Columbia State Community College. The Pearl Bransford Memorial Scholarship Fund was endowed with $50,000 thanks to local and global donations. At the time, the scholarship was hailed as an expression of love for a woman who loved her community. The new complex is just another way Franklin intends to honor Bransford, the city noted. Once completed, the newly-named Pearlene M. Bransford Complex will feature an inclusive playground, football and lacrosse fields, Clean Water Facility, educational walking trail along the Harpeth River and other amenities, plans show. This story includes prior reporting from Tennessean staff. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: New Franklin park to be named for former Alderman Pearl Bransford
