An abandoned landfill may become a much-needed utility for West Nashville. The 50-plus plot of prime property has basically been abandoned since the ’70s, formerly known as the Buzzard Hollow landfill. Buzzard Hollow was shut down in 1973 due to runoff issues, and the property has changed hands several times since.
The problem is, it’s currently zoned as ‘multi-family’ use, and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has ruled due to the waste still on the property, it cannot be developed for residential use. TDEC determined back in 2015 that Metro was liable for cleaning up the property. A large portion of the land will reportedly be voluntarily handed over by Great Tennessee Land Company.
Sheri Weiner, Council Member for District 22, is hoping to build a waste and recycling facility, which would be the only one in the western part of Davidson County. “We’ve actively been looking for a site for this,” said Councilman Weiner. “Literally people from Bordeaux, to Belle Meade, to West Meade, Oak Hill, Bellevue area and beyond. That whole west sector has had nowhere to go, other than across town to take waste that we can’t put in our recycle facilities, tires, electronics, and the sort. This is so very needed.”
The proposal also includes a public works salt bin and a small commercial storage facility. The estimated cost to clean up and develop the land would be just over $7 million. One of the first steps in getting the project moving will be getting the plot properly zoned.