As Texas reels from catastrophic flooding, this booming city on the Cumberland River is contemplating what to do to protect itself in the wake of its own disaster from five years ago, the May 2010 flood that killed 10 people and damaged or destroyed 11,000 properties.
But, at a time when scientists say climate change is producing more extreme weather and forcing cities around the world to consider how best to safeguard floodprone areas, Nashville is finding the sense of unity it had during the disaster is not as easy to summon up again.
Instead, Mayor Karl Dean’s ambitious plan to build a $100 million flood wall and pumping system meant to protect the heart of downtown, including a $623 million convention hall that opened three years after the deluge, is facing
significant opposition here. Politicians running for his job and others say the plan would not do enough to protect less highpowered parts of the city.
“I’m a huge fan of Karl Dean,” said Bill Freeman, a real estate developer and one of the seven candidates vying to replace Mr. Dean, who is barred by term limits from seeking a third fouryear term in an August election. “But
we’ve got other neighborhoods that were completely devastated by the flood.”
The skepticism toward Mr. Dean’s project is shared by some other mayoral candidates, and by members of the consolidated Nashville and Davidson County council, which is scheduled to (continue reading)