NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
A project that developers say is good for both the environment and the city is being criticized as nothing more than a junkyard.
Plans call for a car recycling center to be built on Lucas Lane in East Nashville, where old vehicles and their parts would be stored outside.
And it's close to getting a green light from the city.
Metro Councilman Scott Davis said he wasn't happy to see his face on a flyer claiming he may be selling out his constituents by supporting what some feel may be a new junkyard.
"People have to understand the community needs the jobs, and the site will be well-run. It is not a junkyard," Davis said.
Davis said the truth is the Nashville company LKQ is planning to improve the area near Interstate 65 and Trinity Lane.
The company sent Channel 4 News images showing what they said the area will look like - a modern, clean auto parts recycling facility with neatly arranged vehicles and a storefront.
"What people are going to do - they are going to come in, and they're going to do their shopping like they do at Auto Zone," Davis said.
But the flyer being distributed to East Nashville residents by former Councilwoman Pam Murray suggests the new business will bring snakes, noise and an increase in crime.
Albert Sneider lives near the site and echoes some of those concerns.
"Mostly the crime and safety of the children is my concern. For others, it's the dust and sewer pollution," he said.
LKQ leaders said neighbors need to know the facts, and they point out their business will have set hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day and they also say noise, dust, and traffic will be decreased compared to the constant truck traffic coming to the area now.
The site is currently a drop-off for trailers.
The proposed recycling center is scheduled to go up for a third and final vote in front of the Metro Council at Tuesday's meeting.
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