Stephens Valley Developer Yanks $1.2M Offer For Franklin Schools Improvements

FRANKLIN, TN — The developer of mega-subdivision Stephens Valley pulled his offer of $1.2 million to help fund upgrades at Franklin High School Friday, Williamson County Schools announced. A preservationist group that has been fighting the development says the offer was essentially a bribe to the county.

The school district tweeted Friday that developer John Rochford withdrew his offer to give $1.2 million to the school district to help pay for FHS improvements. He had asked that in exchange for the donation, the district promise to zone the planned subdivision for Grassland Elementary, Grassland Middle and Franklin High. School board members were skeptical but open to the deal at Thursday's work session ahead of Monday's meeting.

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Citizens for Old Natchez Trace, a group that has long opposed Stephens Valley, said in a press release that Rochford was trying to buy off the county.

"John Rochford, the developer of Stephens Valley, the mega density subdivision approved at the west end of Sneed Road, is basically trying to bribe the Williamson County School Board with an offer to pay 1.2 million for enhancements at Franklin High School to secure Grassland/Franklin High School zoning for his controversial 871 house subdivision," the release read.

More information about the rather abrupt withdrawal is expected at Monday night's meeting.

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