Jen Todd

jtodd1@tennessean.com

As more businesses turn to Bellevue, many residents look forward to growth, but some question the quality of the businesses arriving.

"With the growth of Nashville and all, you would think they would be really pursuing more modern higher end," said Bellevue resident Carey King, who owns the Tickled Pink boutique in Bellevue.

In the former Bellevue mall space, One Bellevue Place will bring in such businesses as Carmike Cinemas, Sprouts Farmers Market, HomeGoods, Chili's Grill & Bar, Panera Bread Company and Burlington Coat Factory — a controversial topic for neighbors.

"The store at 100 Oaks is considered bad," King said, describing it as "in such a disarray." "Why would they put another one in if they have a bad mark in the city in the first place?"

The clothing shop's announcement also caused a heated debate on the Hip Bellevue Facebook page.

For other residents, the type of store is not as significant, as long as it brings more people to the area.

"I’m not real picky about what we get as long as it stimulates the economy and brings people to the area, because it’s a good area," said Stephanie Kennedy, who co-owns Bellevue's Crossfit West Nashville with her husband, John.

Larry's Country Diner is undergoing construction, a multi-use and self-storage project is set to come to the neighborhood, and ALDI and a new hockey facility have also been scoped for the area, on top of several housing developments and office space.

Residents hope local businesses will be pop up as well.

"Add a little individuality to the area," said Joshua Collins, who has lived in Bellevue for two years.

While Bellevue has some locally-owned restaurants and shops, some observe other areas of the city such as East Nashville and The Nations and yearn for more.

"We’re starting to see all these little restaurants coming up and that’s what we’re wanting to bring here," King said. "We’re hoping with the new development that we do get some."

Some neighbors also wish for a store like Macy's or Belk — the closest of which are in Green Hills and Cool Springs, respectively.

"Just a general department store," said longtime Bellevue resident Elizabeth Yates. "Nothing that’s exclusive."

One Bellevue Place developer Crosland Southeast intends to reveal the rest of the tenants this summer.

Reach Jen Todd at 615-313-2760 or on Twitter @jentoddwrites.

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