NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Imagine putting your children to bed at night, but they can’t sleep because of gunfire. It sounds like a nightmare, but some Antioch parents tell FOX 17 News it’s their reality.
Maureen Haggerty and Nang Morrow are neighbors and love a good visit. They also enjoy a safe neighborhood, but say over the years, criminals have robbed their families of that peace.
“The shootings are so close. I mean, like literally right in front of our house,” said Morrow.
Morrow, who lives with her elderly mom and husband, says several times a week, people can be seen doing drug deals, trying to rob homeowners or do bad deeds in a vacant lot along Benzing Road, leave them afraid for their lives.
“Between midnight to 2 or 3 o’clock there’s always some kind of shooting,” said Morrow.
Morrow and Haggerty say the 23-acre plot off Tusculum Road and Benzing Road has been a convenient place for crime. After many calls to police and complaints to their councilman Fabian Bedne, help is on the way. A new residential development moving is slated for that lot.
“When things start developing more there will be more police, and I think it will be a good thing,” said Haggerty.
The development is in the very early stages. No renderings are available yet.
The land is zoned for agriculture however, the landowner has to get it rezoned to build the homes. Neighbors have been asked to weigh in on the design. Some even requested gating the area that’s home to families who have lived there for decades.
Haggerty said she is anxious for the change and finally a good night’s sleep.
“I like my neighbors. I like where I’m at. I’d never let them push me out that way. No way,” said Haggerty.
There will be more communities and opportunities for those in the area to weigh in on the project design. If interested, contact Bedne via email at Fabian.bedne@nashville.gov.