NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A major housing and retail development proposal could replace Royal Range in Bellevue.

Metro Council member Sheri Weiner held a community meeting on Monday night after being contacted by the gun range owner and potential buyer, Livonia Development.

Weiner said the area is currently not zoned for the proposal that includes approximately 240 apartments, renting from $2,000 to $2,400 per month, and 10 townhomes for sale starting at $600,000.

The Alabama-based developer also wants to include around 450 parking spaces, an outdoor entertainment area, a wine bar and a pet store.

Just down the road from the proposed development, David Talbert said he’s concerned his peaceful neighborhood would be impacted.

“I think as long as they make it nice, and not sort of trashy, that’s great,” Talbert said. “I wouldn’t want to be living in an apartment right along the freeway, but hey somebody might.”

Talbert’s biggest concern is traffic along Highway 70. He said the new James Lawson High School has been a great addition to the area but thinks more development in the area will be too much for the road’s treacherous bends and low visibility.

“As traffic increases through here, it just raises the risk of accidents and people getting hurt,” Talbert said. “It will add a lot of traffic to an already really busy intersection right there by the highway off-ramp.”

Weiner said NDOT has started a traffic study in the area to possibly add more traffic lights. Other people who live in the area told her they are concerned about flooding at the property.

WSMV4 found the entire property is in the flood plain and the area surrounding Royal Range is in an even higher flood hazard area. Video from the 100-year flood in 2010 shows the old movie theatre was completely flooded.

A spokesperson for Livonia would not answer WSMV4’s questions about what is being done to mitigate the flood risk and what will be done to manage traffic.

“Our proposed Livano Bellevue community is currently in pre-development and details are still being finalized,” the spokesperson said in an email.

Weiner said the owner of Sperry’s Café has also agreed to sell land along the Harpeth River for the developer to build a dock and space for water activities.

WSMV4 reached out to Royal Range for this story to see when and where they are moving. The gun range’s spokesperson did not respond to our requests.

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