Let's call it what it is!

It's Urban Sprawl. By definition, Urban Sprawl is the UNCONTROLLED expansion of urban areas. 

We are victims of our own success.

According to Britannica, "the rapid expansion of the geographic extent of cities and towns, often characterized by low-density residential housing, single-use zoning, and increased reliance on the private automobile for transportation. Urban sprawl is caused in part by the need to accommodate a rising urban population; however, in many metropolitan areas it results from a desire for increased living space and other residential amenities. Urban sprawl has been correlated with increased energy use, pollution, and traffic congestion and a decline in community distinctiveness and cohesiveness. In addition, by increasing the physical and environmental “footprints” of metropolitan areas, the phenomenon leads to the destruction of wildlife habitat and to the fragmentation of remaining natural areas.  

https://www.britannica.com/topic/urban-sprawl

Rutherford County is certainly sprawling.

This is a plan that helps guide the planning department and leaders on where to promote growth based on the values of the citizens themselves. What do you want for Rutherford County?

According to the plan itself, "Recommend policies and strategies to guide land development and prioritize investments into public infrastructure and services."

I would expect the planning department, the planning commission and the county commission to check zoning exceptions against this plan.

You can see it yourself here: https://www.planrutherford.org/

The entire county is zoned R15. Developers only have to request land zoning exceptions to increase density, or change the land use to something commercial. That means a land speculator or developer can divide farmland into 15,000 square foot lots, as long as they have a plan for water and sewer. 

The free for all development of land creates pressure on roads that were designed for farmers to deliver goods to markets. When I moved to Rutherford County, I could go ride my bike and have no problem sharing the road with cars. It's become far too dangerous. I don't believe this is a sign of a liveable community. 

Some planners believe this county, based on current growth, will have a water crisis in ten years. If we're going to deal with that problem, it needs to be now. We can't keep "kicking the can" on problems we know we are creating.

Our neighboring counties in the Metropolitan Statistical Area that includes Davidson, Sumner, Wilson and Williamson are dealing with similar issues, though they have different laws that regulate property development. Some like Williamson are ahead of us in the growth curve. Following their solutions may provide some insight on what we should be doing 5 years ago. Again, the next best time is now.