The fate of a proposed trash convenience center in Rutherford County has remained a discussion between the school board and county commissioners.
LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The fate of a proposed trash convenience center in Rutherford County has remained a discussion between the school board and county commissioners.
County Commissioners wanted the center built on land near two La Vergne schools. However, school board member Frances Rosales told News 2 that she believes both sides need to come together and work on a unified plan.
“Having open communication and dialogue so that we can both come to a resolution that is amicable and fair to both sides,” Rosales said. “…Our students are not pawns.”
Rosales stressed that the district relies on county funds for future projects, so it’s important to maintain a positive relationship with commissioners. Additionally, Rosales said that as Rutherford County continues to grow, a positive relationship benefit all parties.
On Tuesday night, the Rutherford County School Board approved a resolution opposing the construction of a trash convenience center on the property of La Vergne Middle School and La Vergne Lake Elementary.
According to Rosales, the center would be fenced and away from both schools. That way, students wouldn’t even realize the center is close.
“If you look at the schematic drawing, it’s not that close within proximity to where the school property is at,” Rosales said. “There’s going to be at least 200 feet of trees that is going to be surrounding and covering the convenience center, so even if it’s within the location of the school, the kids are not going to be aware.”
According to District 11 Commissioner Anthony Johnson, the commission has to legally reach out to the school board because the land was bought through school bonds.
He attended Tuesday’s school board meeting to express his belief in the project and said that he supported continued discussion between the two groups. As of publication, Johnson said the La Vergne land in discussion is the only option for the center. In his opinion, the center would be necessary.