CLINTON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Clinton residents are concerned about a new development project that could jeopardize a historic community park.

The Clinton Community Nature Center is located next to the heat of the city. The nonprofit organization was formed in 1997 with hopes to preserve the historic tract of woods and scenic nature.

Many fear the nature center could face significant damage due to the Olde Towne Village housing development plan, which Clinton’s zoning committee voted to approve.

Many Clintonians met at the Olde Towne Depot on Thursday to voice their disapproval of the project. They fear the housing project will flood out a portion of the nature center and pre-existing neighborhoods in the area.

“We heard from children, and we heard from senior citizens. We heard from neighbors. We heard from people who wish to have more housing. And I think that together, with good communication, that the best hope for any of our communities is to find a way to take into account everyone’s interests and to including a nonprofit like ours, which seeks to preserve a precious tract of forest in the middle of town,” said Audrey Harrison, board president of the Clinton Community Nature Center.

Representatives with the nature center and the housing project are expected to meet on Monday, September 2 in hopes of reaching an agreement. The project will go to a vote before Clinton aldermen on Tuesday, September 3.

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