Is Neon Nashville coming to Gallatin!
What Happened and What’s Next?
Tuesday night’s Gallatin City Council Committee/Working session was another chapter in what’s become a long-running tug‑of‑war between the Foxland Harbor Marina developer’s ambitions and the community’s concerns.
Watch the August 12 Gallatin City Council working session, and here’s the recap that emerged:
• Plan changes again – The latest version adds more “lifestyle” amenities — playground, swings, corn hole, a day spa — on top of the 200+ boat slips, 113 condos, restaurant, ship store, retail buildings, and an outdoor music venue.
• Neon signage push – The developer reiterated his desire for neon signs, which has been a sticking point for some residents. To add the neon signs on the proposed buildings, he will need a waiver from the Council.
• Traffic & parking woes – The city planner’s review reportedly gave the developer’s traffic plan an F grade, underscoring fears about traffic safety, congestion and inadequate parking.
• Community skepticism – Many residents feel the project’s scale and evolving scope stray far from what was originally envisioned, a community boat dock with 100-slips, with worries about safety, neighborhood character, the environment of the lake, and quality of life.
* Resident testimony was pointed – Speakers cited safety risks, including recent accidents, as evidence that the traffic impact is already dangerous.
• Short‑term rental fears – Some believe the condos are designed for transient stays rather than long‑term community housing. The developer left this open.
• Scale vs. character – Critics argued the project is oversized for the area, with height exceptions and density that don’t match the neighborhood’s needs.
• Transparency concerns – Opponents noted this is at least the third major iteration of the plan, and frustration has grown over how changes are communicated.
Where things stand now
The council hasn’t given final approval…yet — this was a working session, so the City Council cast a vote to add this project to the next City Council meeting agenda for the proposal’s First Reading on Tuesday, August 19.
Public pushback has been consistent, and past meetings have shown that sustained resident engagement can influence revisions.
Procedural status
The council’s vote to move the proposal to its next meeting for a First Reading means there’s still a formal process ahead. That will include opportunities for unlimited public comment at the Public Hearing between the First and Second Readings before any final decision.
We must continue to show up at Citizens’ Comments and voice our concerns about the project’s size and impact on the local traffic.
Possible next steps for concerned residents
• Stay engaged – Attend upcoming council meetings and the public hearing meeting; public comment periods are your chance to get concerns on record.
• Request third- party impact studies – Push for updated traffic, environmental, and infrastructure assessments before any vote.
* Continue to call and email the Mayor and City Council.
Don’t get discouraged. Remind the Mayor and City Council they represent your interests, not the developer’s interests. While the City Council approved a marina in 2023, it is not the Community Boat Dock promised to the residents of Fairvue and Foxland with 100 boat slips. This current proposal is too large, too loud, and too dangerous for our neighborhoods.
Contact Debra Maggart at update@friendsofoldhickorylake.com for a NO MARINA sign and a red t-shirt
CONTACT YOUR OFFICIALS TODAY
Demand they vote NO on this oversized marina!
When you call or email, please be respectful, firm, and focused on the facts.
Mayor and City Council
Mayor Paige Brown: paige.brown@gallatintn.gov | 615-451-5961
Craig Hayes (District 4): craig.hayes@gallatintn.gov | 615-347-8677
Shawn Fennell (Council At-Large): shawn.fennell@gallatintn.gov | 615-426-2011
Steve Fann (Council At-Large): 615-967-6885
Paul Jones (District 1): paul.jones@gallatintn.gov
Todd Alexander (District 2): todd.alexander@gallatintn.gov
Pascal Jouvence (District 3): pascal.jouvence@gallatintn.gov | 615-983-2663
Steven Carter (District 5): steven.carter@gallatintn.gov | 615-483-6549