Williamson Chamber report highlights growth, transportation
March 15, 2016
The Tennessean
by Collin Czarnecki
Williamson County is feeling the ripple effects of Nashville’s tremendous growth.
With more than 24,000 new jobs expected to be added by 2025, the county is expecting new employees and residents to continue to flock to the area. Matt Largen, Williamson Inc. president and CEO, said that growth will continue to be the No. 1 topic on everyone’s minds this year at the chamber’s Outlook Williamson annual event Tuesday in Franklin.
From residential to retail, growth in Williamson has taken on all shapes and forms. Last year, an average of 151 business licenses were filed per month within the county.
But the No. 1 challenge to prosperity? Traffic.
More than 28,000 Williamson residents commute to Davidson County for work, while more than 26,000 travel in the opposite direction. The idea of “going against traffic” is no longer a reality for commuters traveling to and from Williamson County.
However, Williamson Inc. announced a way to shine a light on the issue with Mobility Week, which takes place Sept. 12-16. Increasing carpooling and school bus ridership, rideshares, localized lunch options, staggered workday hours and an educational forum are some of the efforts Williamson Inc. is encouraging residents and companies to take part in throughout the week.
“This is really a way for us to take control of the situation,” Largen said.
As new mixed-use developments such as Hill Center Brentwood are built, an emphasis is being put on “live, work, play” environments as another way to tackle traffic concerns.
Once the massive $700 million mixed-use community Ovation opens, developers told the audience, the intersection of Carothers Parkway and McEwen Drive will have more residential units than the Gulch.
The project will include two hotels with a combined 450 rooms and 950 residential units.
Largen said Williamson Inc. is asking the community to take part in Mobility Week as a way to take a broader look at how traffic plays a role in the county’s growth.
For more information visit www.williamsonchamber.com.