Uncommonly Lakeland!

Randy Nicholson

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Partnership Lakeland Q&A

1. How to see Lakeland developing (commercial, residence) and at what price?

ANSWER: Lakeland has no problem in creating residential growth; the demand is here. But with almost 70% percent of the City undeveloped, the opportunity is available for Lakeland, with the support of its citizens, to control this growth. Development must gradually spread outward from its residential center while protecting the rural surroundings through both ecologically friendly and commercially desirable developments. Ecologically friendly development will be accomplished as follows:
a. Establish buffer areas around streams and creeks.
b. Require controls to save mature trees whenever possible.
c. Compel dedicated open spaces.
d. Create and/or maintain rural connector streets instead of developing large thoroughfares.
e. Strictly enforce developer requirements regarding erosion.
Commercially desirable development that enables fiscally strong economic government to provide community services will be accomplished as follows:
a. Allow businesses that are architecturally attractive and blend into the surrounding area.
b. Favor small businesses that produce sales taxes.
c. Create certain zoned areas that will allow a mix of compatible residential and commercial activity.

As the City grows and its natural environment changes, the commercial and residential developments must create an atmosphere that is appealing to its citizens. In order to achieve and sustain this type of development there must be a balance between ecology, economics and community. If the City allows any one of these three components to outpace the others, Lakeland initially will grow rapidly but then, at some future time, will begin to quickly decline. By balancing the interests and demands of ecology (rural atmosphere), economic (commercial businesses) and community (homeowners), Lakeland will grow and prosper for the long term.

2. Do you believe a lobbyist in Nashville would benefit Lakeland? If so why?

ANSWER: In a perfect world, our elected state representatives should be looking out for the best interest of Lakeland. But we all know that government is run by public influence and other cities have lobbyists pushing their demands. First and foremost, the benefits must be comparable to the cost of a lobbyist. A lobbyist could be beneficial to Lakeland for these purposes:
a. Convince TDOT and the State Officials that the development of the I-40/ Canada Road interchange is essential for Lakeland’s economic development and construction of the single point design instead of the enhanced diamond design will maintain this economic development far into the future. The enhanced diamond construction will be obsolete within 15 years. b. Make City officials aware of governmental grants or loans that could possibly benefit Lakeland.

The first purpose would not require the maintaining of a lobbyist on a retainer basis. However, it might be worthwhile to investigate the cost of contracting with a lobbyist for a short term. As for the second purpose, our City employees who are more familiar with grants would have to determine whether the potential of new funds would more than offset the cost of a lobbyist.

3. How should Lakeland prepare for future school?

ANSWER: Determinations must be made for the best locations pursuant to our present road system and population density. Currently Lakeland’s Future Comprehensive Plan shows a future school site on the new Monroe Road and Stewart Road. Of course, future sites can only legally be designated over general areas and cannot be binding on specific land parcels. However we can and should request planned residential developments in desired locations to set aside land for future schools. In addition, when we determine the time is right for a new school, we must actively work to convince the Shelby County government and Board of Education to allocate necessary funds.

4. How do you define a “Town Center”, do we need one, and where?

ANSWER: A “Town Center” is an area that can provide a unique identity for a city and can attract both residents and visitors. For a city the size of Lakeland, my vision would include space for the governmental services that run the City, along with amenities such as a community center and perhaps small retail businesses. A “Town Center” will help establish the identity of Lakeland and provide a setting for the interaction between residents. The “Town Center” should be located near the new Canada Road and Highway 70. This location will provide easy access, will be economically feasible to develop, and is centrally located.

5. Do you support measures to curb the population explosion that Lakeland is experiencing? If so, how would you balance that with a landowner’s right to develop their property? If not, how do you propose to increase revenue in order to provide services to our growing population?

ANSWER: I do support measures to curb the population explosion in Lakeland by setting in place city ordinances and zoning regulations that enable managed and sustainable growth as explained in answer #1 above. The approval process for each potential development should include a finding of the financial impact this area will have on the City services. I certainly understand that a landowner would want to maximize his return on his property investment. However, these measures do not prevent the landowner from developing its property, as long as it is within the guidelines of the rules and regulations of the City. And of course every resident landowner can have a say in the enactment of these regulations.

If the City were to allow unrestrained population growth, the funding of City operations through sales tax, per capita rebate of gasoline tax, and specific development & user fees would no longer be sufficient to fund city services. A significant increase in commercial fees and/or City property taxes would be required

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General Information

BLAN R. “RANDY” NICHOLSON
3525 Chambers Chapel, Lakeland, TN 38002 (901) 867-9686 (home) 901-521-0558 (work)

SUMMARY

Broad-based legal background with experience in both jury and non-jury trials in all of the City, County, State, and Federal Courts in this area.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Senior member of the law offices of Nicholson, Hackel & Nicholson, with locations at 301 Washington #203 Memphis, TN. 38103 and at 11974 Walker St. Arlington, TN. 38002.
• Web Site: www.attorneynicholson.com
• Have been in private practice for the last 35 years.
• Served as public defender in Memphis City Courts during the 1970s.
• Have served as a Special Judge in both Memphis City Court and Shelby County General Sessions Civil Court.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Memphis, 1969.
• Juris Doctor degree from the University of Memphis School of Law, 1972.
• Tennessee Bar Exam, 1972.

LEGAL ACTIVITIES

• Member of the Memphis & Shelby County Bar Association.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

• Past Legal Counsel for the Memphis Junior Chamber of Commerce.
• Past President of the Cordova Kiwanis Club.
• Past President & charter member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
• Member of the Lakeland Board of Appeals from the year of 1996 to the year of 2006. Chairman of the Board for the last seven years.
• Member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
• Member of Partnership Lakeland
• Current Commissioner of Lakeland since May, 2006
• Current liaison to the Lakeland Economic Development Board
• Current liaison to the Lakeland Parks and Recreation Board

PERSONAL

• 59 years of age.
• Married for 30 years with one child
• Resident of Lakeland for 20 years