Community meeting draws crowd as resort proposal advances to zoning debate

About 100 residents packed into Bethany Hills Camp on Sept. 22 for a 90-minute meeting with Nashville developer Michael Hayes and his team, as plans for a $250 million luxury resort near the Narrows of the Harpeth edge closer to a pivotal county zoning decision.

Hayes, CEO of C.B. Ragland, presented his vision for “Bell’s Reserve,” a 560-acre resort that would feature 80 cottages, 40 branded residences, two restaurants, a spa and outdoor recreation ranging from hiking to horseback riding. Hayes described the project as a “low-density rural retreat” that emphasizes preservation, sustainable agriculture and partnerships with local schools and artists.

“We really want to create a resort that celebrates the agricultural areas of this area and share it with many people,” Hayes told the audience. He pledged to protect trees, waterways and ridge lines on the property, while also generating an estimated 210 full-time jobs.

Hayes also highlighted that he plans to found a non-profit organization to support local causes, including the Harpeth River watershed, sustainable agriculture and educational opportunities for children. 

Hayes was joined by a team of engineers, architects and consultants who fielded questions on traffic, stormwater, sewer systems and infrastructure. Hayes' team originally had plans to hold "one-on-one" conversations with community members, but the crowd thought it would be best if the experts answered each question in front of everyone. After a few minutes of hesitation, Hayes agreed to this new setup.

Taking turns, residents voiced concerns about congestion on Cedar Hill Road, flooding risks along the Harpeth River and the impact of increased development on the county’s rural character.

A member of Hayes’ team said that the resort will be hooked up to a “decentralized wastewater treatment facility that’s designed for a specific volume of wastewater flow.” He said the waste will be treated and then discharged into land application drip dispersal zones. 

Separately, Hayes said they are “hopeful” they will be able to get city water from River Road Utility District by extending the line and adding a tank. 

When it comes to stormwater, Civil Site Design Group CEO Kevin Gangaware said the resort will be committed to low-impact design, so they'll be implementing things like cisterns, rain gardens, pervious pavers, infiltration trenches and more tools for water quality. 

According to results from a traffic study that was completed on a weekend over the summer, Hayes’ team anticipates daily traffic to increase on Cedar Hill Road by only 0.50%. 

Hayes also said that he plans to place an “in perpetuity” title on the land’s deed that all future owners would be required to legally abide by. Meaning, the land would stay as is and would not be able to be subdivided. “Whoever owns it, if we fail, in perpetuity, would have the responsibility for maintenance,” Hayes said. 

Zoning amendment up next

Cheatham County Mayor Kerry McCarver, who spoke at the beginning of the meeting, emphasized that Hayes’ project cannot move forward without changes to the county’s zoning resolution.

On Oct. 2, the Planning Commission will consider recommending a new zoning category called “Rural Resort,” written by Hayes’ team specifically for this Bell’s Reserve project, McCarver said. The amendment would permit mixed-use planned unit developments (PUD) on at least 375 acres adjacent to a Tennessee state park or wildlife management area, with allowances for hotels, branded residences, restaurants, event centers and recreational amenities.

“If that amendment fails, this goes away,” McCarver said. “If it’s approved, then the developer would still have to bring back a full mixed-use PUD for review.” He noted that the County Commission would vote on the new zoning law in November. If it passes, additional hearings on a detailed development plan will likely take place in early 2026, McCarver said.

Community opposition builds

More than 500 residents have signed a petition opposing Bell’s Reserve, citing traffic and environmental concerns and the fact that the property lies outside the county’s Planned Growth Area under the 2022–2042 Growth Plan. Some opponents have urged Gov. Bill Lee to purchase the land and add it to the Tennessee State Parks system.

District 6 Commissioner Jimmy Hedgepath has said he will follow the will of his constituents, while Commissioner Mike Breedlove has previously voiced support, calling the project “a great future” for the county. During the meeting, there were two residents who spoke out in support of the development, but a large majority of the community members expressed frustration and disapproval of Hayes' plan. One even asked why Hayes would continue the project knowing he did not have the buy-in from locals.

Hayes acknowledged the opposition but stressed that he is committed to a “holistic community conversation” before seeking formal approvals.

“This is a different type of development than what we’ve seen before in Cheatham County,” Hayes said. “Preservation is really important to us.”

The Planning Commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Cheatham County Courthouse in Ashland City.