East Bank flood concerns grow as development ramps up

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Following last week’s storms and flooding, concerns are growing about how prepared Nashville’s East Bank is for future weather events especially as major development projects continue to move forward.

The East Bank, long dominated by concrete and asphalt, is in the midst of a massive transformation. In response to flooding risks and the need for better water management, Metro passed legislation last year establishing the East Bank as its own stormwater district.

Metro Water Services Director Scott Potter says the area is being treated as one unified parcel when it comes to stormwater planning. He says the goal is to make sure water quality and flood control are both significantly improved by the time development is complete.

“I feel completely comfortable with the planning with the modeling, and I can assure the citizens of Nashville that as we go through the construction of East bank and especially when we’re done, the storm water management on the quality and quantity side will be much better," said Potter.

The development plans include turning parking lots into a mix of green space and infrastructure that will be able to capture and treat runoff before it flows into the Cumberland River.

Metro leaders are urging the public to have confidence in the planning underway saying the East Bank will be far more flood-resilient once development is complete.

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