Originally comprising three parcels, Uptown La Vergne has been subdivided into eight distinct development zones. The largest will feature approximately 250 Class A apartment units, addressing the growing housing demand in the Nashville metropolitan area where population has increased by over 110% since 2000. The retail component has already secured several national brands. “Aldi’s has opened as the anchor grocer. Chipotle and Panda Express have both committed to joining this venture,” Mayor Cole notes. “Chipotle is almost finished being built, and Panda Express is expected to open this fall. We’re also anticipating responses on sit-down restaurants, a possible bank, and a convenience store for the remaining parcels.” This development addresses a critical economic challenge facing the community: retail leakage. “If I want to buy a brand-new suit or jacket, there’s nowhere in the city to buy that. Our leakage represents several million dollars annually,” Mayor Cole explains. “We’re trying to reverse that trend, grow our sales tax base, and expand opportunities for our residents by bringing in clothing retailers, sit-down restaurants, quality grocers, and similar businesses.” INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT While central La Vergne undergoes transformation through the Uptown project, the city’s southern district has emerged as the epicenter of its most dynamic growth.This area is the focus of significant infrastructure investments designed to accommodate the influx of new residents and businesses. Transportation improvements form the backbone of this expansion strategy. “Our south side of town is where the bulk of our growth is occurring,” Mayor Cole explains. “We have already approved building a new connector road called Blair West. Once that’s built out, we’ll widen the south portion of Waldron Road from a two-lane to a five-lane road, adding sidewalks, curb, and gutter to help facilitate the growth coming through that area.” These infrastructure enhancements support the ambitious South Waldron Road development, the second major mixed-use project reshaping La 130 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06
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