Small business owners don’t know they are included in the new Belle Plaine Plaza development

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – There was a neighborhood meeting Thursday night about whether Belle Mead Plaza should be demolished.

The mall is more than 60 years old and may soon be replaced by high-end condos.

Belle Mede Jewelry & Repair is a local business currently located in the shopping center. Owner Scott Isaacs opened the store in Belle Meade Plaza in 2006.

“This is my dream,” said Isaac. “Basically, I had a goal of opening my own store. 17 years ago, it just happened.”

Its neighbors in the plaza include Kroger, Starbucks and many other local businesses.

Now there is a plan to demolish them all.

“It means people are really scared,” Isaac said.

Developer AJ Capital wants to replace the plaza with new retail and high-rise condos.

Metro Council member Kathleen Murphy said there will be more than 300 rooms and 600 parking spaces. Half of the development will be green space to help protect the nearby stream, she said.

A bigger concern for some is the increased traffic on the hard pike.

Murphy said the developer would be required to conduct a traffic impact study and make changes to the corridor.

WSMV4 asked Murphy if existing businesses would have space in the new development.

“The question I’m making for the development team is to be more clear about what types of businesses, what sizes of businesses, and if there are requirements to protect the businesses we have in our area,” Murphy said.

Isaac wants the jewelry store to be included in the new concept, but is convinced it will mean paying more in rent.

“Small businesses don’t have much of a chance in this new Nashville, and that’s the sad part,” Isaacs says.

If you miss Thursday’s neighborhood meeting, Murphy said there will be another in two weeks.

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