A zoning overlay in Inglewood would keep homeowners from renovating or demolishing historic homes on certain streets.
On Tuesday, several concerned citizens asked the Nashville City Council to reconsider the overlay.
Curtis Stewart said his property has been in his family for 55 years.
Curtis Stewart said, "I've been 34 years in the real estate business, it's like a 50% property value difference. I have 3 duplexes and one house under this historic overlay."
Troy Kinsel also took to the podium in opposition to the overlay.
Troy Kinsel said, "I am adequately opposed to this. I believe it would require homeowners to essentially jump through hoops. It would require you to approve any exterior changes to the home and homeowners can't make the most of their investments."
Matthew Bond was with a group of citizens wearing "Preserve Inglewood" shirts at the meeting. They are in favor of the overlay and think it will benefit the community.
Bond said, "Property values tend to go up after an overlay. Look at East Nashville, East Nashville has a historic overlay that is more limiting than ours and fewer people can afford to live there, property values have climbed and climbed in east Nashville!"
Councilman Anthony Davis is working on a couple amendments after concerns were brought up. The overlay will be read for a third and final time by the end of the month.
Bond said, "We just want to make sure that the historic character is preserved. It's not a matter of saying nothing can be done, it's a matter of just really trying to preserve the historic character which is the reason it brought so many people to this neighborhood and the reason it's becoming increasingly popular."
