Several residents of the Belle Meade Highlands neighborhood filed a petition in Davidson County Chancery Court on Monday, seeking to block the construction of a new multi‑level parking pavilion at the Cheekwood botanical garden. The lawsuit follows a series of legal challenges by the community group Neighbors for Safety Belle Meade Highlands, which has long warned that the project could worsen traffic congestion, increase noise, and alter the character of the historic area.

Permit process under fire

The neighbors contend that Metro’s zoning administrator approved the permit for the 204,419‑square‑foot pavilion in May without first presenting the proposal to Metro’s Board of Zoning Appeals, as required for projects of this scale. When the group appealed the administrative decision, the Board denied their request in August, prompting the current legal action.

What the lawsuit seeks

In the petition, the plaintiffs argue that the proper procedural channel was bypassed and that the project should be returned to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a full review. They ask the judge to overturn the existing permit and require Metro to follow the established zoning‑review process before any construction can proceed.

Background of the dispute

The conflict dates back to last year when Cheekwood announced plans to expand its parking capacity to accommodate growing visitor numbers. While the garden’s management says the pavilion will improve access for families and tourists, neighbors have raised concerns about the impact on local traffic patterns, increased noise levels, and the potential loss of green space.

In September, the same group filed a separate lawsuit seeking broader restrictions on traffic, noise, and the pavilion itself, as well as monetary damages. That case remains pending, and the latest filing adds a procedural dimension to the broader dispute.

Community response

Local residents have expressed mixed feelings. Some support the garden’s efforts to attract more visitors and boost the local economy, while others fear that the pavilion could strain existing infrastructure and diminish the neighborhood’s quiet, family‑friendly atmosphere. The Belle Meade Homeowners Association has scheduled a public meeting next week to gather additional input from homeowners.

Metro’s position

Metro officials maintain that the permit was issued in accordance with existing regulations and that the Board of Zoning Appeals correctly exercised its discretion in denying the appeal. A spokesperson for Metro’s planning department said the agency will comply with any court order and continue to work with Cheekwood to address community concerns.

Next steps

The court is expected to schedule a hearing on the petition within the next few weeks. If the judge sides with the neighbors, the project could be delayed while the Board of Zoning Appeals conducts a comprehensive review, potentially altering the scope or design of the pavilion.

Regardless of the outcome, the case highlights the importance of transparent zoning processes and community involvement in development decisions that affect historic neighborhoods like Belle Meade.

Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.