Councilman flip-flops on May Town Center

'Intrigue' turns to opposition, then to request for deferral

Email | Print By Nate Rau and Richard Lawson

Councilman Lonnell Matthews, Jr. has changed his position on the hotly contested May Town Center development.

After initially penning a letter requesting that the Planning Commission oppose a portion of a land-use plan that could allow the development, Matthews said he now will ask the commission to defer a vote on the plan for Bells Bend and Scottsboro.

The Planning Commission will consider the land use plan at its meeting tomorrow, when the public will be able to express support or opposition for the May Town Center.

While the land use plan applies to all 13,000-plus acres in the Bells Bend and Scottsboro area, it is the portion of the plan set aside for the proposed $4 billion, 1,450-acre alternative development proposed by the May family that has generated concern among area residents.

Matthews had expressed “intrigue” at the proposed development until earlier in the day today, when his letter to the Planning Commission said he opposed the “alternate development area” of the community plan for the area. That area is effectively May Town Center.

“It is my position to be a voice for the majority of the District 1 constituents and stand in opposition of the alternative development area,” Matthews said in his letter. “[M]y main reason is because the people of Bells Bend, Scottsboro and District 1 deserve to have their voice heard and reflected in the decisions that will affect their community.

“As their elected representative, I intend to be that voice for the people, and I encourage you to oppose the alternative development area.”

Reached for comment, Matthews softened on his stance and said that, because of lingering questions, his request is simply for a deferral.

Matthews said he wanted answers for where the necessary bridge over the Cumberland River would be located. He also wanted to know the cost of infrastructure for the project.

His new position is consistent with what master developer Tony Giarratana understood the councilman’s stance to be.

“It’s my understanding, in speaking to Councilman Matthews, he intended to request a deferral pending more information on bridge location and infrastructure – that the councilman did not intend to oppose it,” Giarratana said. “Hopefully, this will be corrected in advance of tomorrow night’s meeting.”

Apparently, it was corrected over several hours today.

The Planning Department's staff has recommended approval of the plan. Even if the commission votes against the land use plan, the May Town Center proposal could still be pushed through Council. The developer plans to submit an official rezoning request on Friday.