Construction on a massive development on the east bank of the Cumberland River in Nashville is proceeding too slowly for a leading state lawmaker. (Photo: John Partipilo/TennesseeLookout)

Facing criticism from a top state official in his final days on the job, Metro Nashville’s chief development officer defended an agreement with Boston-based Fallon Company for a massive project on the Cumberland River’s East Bank.

Bob Mendes, a former Metro Council member who headed up Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s efforts for projects citywide, told the Lookout the mayor considers the master plan with Fallon “unprecedented in how good it is for Metro.” The contract achieves 99 years of “guaranteed affordability” for nearly 700 housing units on 30 acres of city-owned land the company is developing, he said.

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