CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- Hundreds of people showed up for a public hearing Thursday night regarding a controversial downtown Clarksville redevelopment plan, but many couldn't even get inside the building to attend.

Video: Clarksville Redevelopment Causes Heated Debate

Police officers stood their ground in prohibiting some upset property owners from attending the public hearing.

The fire marshal only let 180 people inside, but there was a long list of others who were left out in the cold.

All of the residents were worried they could lose their homes.

"It's just an ordinance that gives them a blank check to do anything they want," said Debbie Hunt of the Clarksville Property Rights Coalition.

Their property sits inside an area the city is considering for redevelopment.

"The way they've got it written up, they can condemn your property through eminent domain and sell it. We don't have any say so in it," said property owner Randy Black.

Mayor Johnny Piper said designating the area for redevelopment makes the land eligible for tax-incentive financing, which means the income generated would be reinvested in the area.

"I think it could be a tool to help redevelop our downtown area and other parts of the area," said Piper.

The mayor said the city has no intention of taking anybody's home and feels the plan would help fuel growth in Clarksville.

"I do not agree that governments should take property through eminent domain or condemnation and give it to developers,” said Piper.

Everyone at Thursday's meeting received a copy of the redevelopment plan and was able to fill out a card voicing their concerns. The City Council will review those comments and incorporate changes into the plan at their next meeting scheduled for March 22.

Piper said there are four layers of protection for a property owner.

Members of the redevelopment board, Public Housing Authority, City Council and County Commission all have to agree to implement eminent domain.

However, some property owners said any chance of losing their home is too much of a risk.