March Update

EVENTS

At the request of Metro Council, the Metro Planning Department and other development-related departments are undertaking a Housing & Infrastructure Study - a holistic look at residential development and Nashville’s existing/planned infrastructure capacity. The H & I Study also explores if current zoning policies or other barriers harm Metro’s ability to address the city’s housing needs. Metro Planning is hosting H & I Community Conversations at six locations across the county through March 11. These meetings will include conversations and presentations about housing and infrastruc¬ture opportunities and challenges and a community Q&A session to learn more about residents’ experiences and needs. Learn more about the H & I Study here and find the dates, times, and locations of Community Conversations here.

The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) has been working through a neighborhood driven traffic calming application process to prioritize and install speed humps, traffic chicanes, pedestrian refuges, and other traffic calming measures on local streets. After a year of the new program, there is currently an evaluation to determine if the program is achieving its desired goals. NDOT presented the results to the Council Transportation Committee at a recent meeting. To learn more about the traffic calming program visit the NDOT website . Stop sign and sidewalk requests are separate and not included in the traffic calming program. Neighbors can request those through the hubNashville website, by calling 311, and working with Council Members. NDOT opened the current Neighborhood Street Traffic Calming application window March 3, 2025, and the window will be open for 2 full weeks.

Brush Pick-up begins

• March 6 – Area 3 Old Hickory, Lakewood, Hermitage, Stones River, Two Rivers, River Trace
• March 12 – Area 4 Donelson, Airport, Percy Priest, Northeast Antioch
• March 19 Area 5 Antioch, Cane Ridge, Paragon Mills
• March 27 Area 6 Brentwood, Crieve Hall, Grassmere, Abbay Hall, Sidco, WeHo

Metro does not collect brush on private streets or in satellite/self incorporated cities such as Forest Hills, Berry Hill, and Belle Meade. Residents of those areas should contact their city officials for the services available.

The Tennessee Environmental Council is hosting Tennessee Tree Day rescheduled to March 29th. Each year Tennessee Tree Day engages thousands of volunteers in a fun, meaningful, family-friendly, event that results in multi-generational benefits to our environment, communities and public health. Since 2007, TEC Tennessee Tree Day events have mobilized over 100,000 residents in planting more than 925,000 native trees in Tennessee and surrounding states. Some plant trees to replace those lost to development. Others plant trees to help to repair degraded streams and improve water quality or to increase habitat for wildlife and pollinators. Some plant trees for purely aesthetic reasons. No matter the reason, all trees planted will improve the health of our environment by capturing stormwater, sequestering CO2, reducing air pollution, providing wildlife habitat, and enhancing Tennessee’s magnificent tree canopy. Native tree saplings can be ordered until March 16 on the Tree Day website and picked up at designated locations on March 29. Pick-up sites include Cheekwood, Eakin Elementary School, the Hermitage Library, Latterday Saints on Haywood Lane, and E3 Innovate. For those who didn’t get a chance to order, there are sometimes extras, so stop by and ask.

I invite Nashville to join many other cities around the globe in celebrating Earth Hour on Saturday March 29, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. As one of the first cities in the south to adopt a Dark Skies ordinance, Nashville is already ahead of the pack in recognizing the energy and ecological impact of overlighting the night sky. Nashvillians are encouraged to turn off lights for this hour on March 29 to show their support for climate action. Organized by the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour is a global grassroots movement uniting people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet. Earth Hour was first held on March 31, 2007, in Sydney, Australia, when more than 2.2 million individuals and 2,000 businesses turned their lights out for one hour. It has since grown to engage millions of supporters in more than 185 countries and territories, inspiring individuals and organizations worldwide to take action for the environment, and driving major legislative changes by harnessing the power of the crowd. Earth Hour is held annually on the last Saturday in March. More information is at www.earthhour.org .

This April, the Cumberland River Compact is encouraging residents of Davidson County to give their mowers a rest and let their grass grow! By participating in No Mow Month, neighbors can improve water absorption in your neighborhood, reduce pollution, cut carbon emissions, and create habitat for wildlife. Participants will receive a No Mow Month yard sign to display in their yard in the month of April. Traditionally manicured lawns do not allow enough water to sink into the ground during peak rainfall events. Instead, this water flows over surfaces as runoff and carries with it oils from mowers, pet waste, fertilizers, and other pollutants that are harmful to nearby waterways. When grass is allowed to grow taller, its roots grow deeper, allowing for more rainwater absorption and filtering out more pollutants. Even just a month of refraining from mowing will reduce erosion and runoff in your yard while replenishing our groundwater supply, helping to keep streams alive during drought periods. Information is on the CRC website.

Fix a Leak Week is March 17-23. It is important to fix water leaks both inside the house and out to save money, reduce waste of treated water, and to eliminate sources of contamination in local water distribution. EPA’s WaterSense website has a lot of resources. Metro Water Services (MWS) will provide a leak adjustment to customers who detect and fix leaks once every 12 months, if necessary - MWS Water Leak Adjustments . Follow MWS on Social Media where they will celebrate World Water Day on March 22nd.

During Ramadan, The Islamic Center of Nashville invites members of the community to learn more about them through a Ramadan Iftar Dinner and Class. Every year during Ramadan the Islamic Center of Nashville welcomes guests from across the city (neighbors, non-profits, government officials, athletes, educators, places of worship, etc.) to share an Iftar dinner and break their fast, preceded by a one-hour presentation on Islam, Culture & Diversity - Understanding Your Muslim Neighbors in Nashville to help build bridges of understanding while addressing common misconceptions, their history in Nashville and addressing questions. ICN will be hosting at both of mosques at 5:45 to 7:45:

• ICN 12South - 2515 12th Ave S - Sun. March 9th, Thurs. March 13th, Sun. March 16th.
• ICN Bellevue -7337 Charlotte Pk- Wed. March 19th

Make a reservation at bit.ly/visiticn

The Richland Creek Run is returning for its 19th year on March 29. Runners can support Greenways and enjoy a certified 5-mile course through Historic Sylvan Park and along the beautiful Richland Creek Greenway, and a fun post-race party at M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers with awards, door prizes, silent auction, and beer specials. Information is available on the Greenways website.

WeGo public transit is proposing bus route and schedule adjustments specifically made possible by the Choose How You Move referendum. WeGo is proposing increased service frequency on several routes, two new WeGo Link zones, and Access on Demand weekend service for its Summer 2025 service changes. An open public comment period on the proposed service changes will be held from March 12 through April 3. During this time, customers will be able to view the proposed changes, participate in meetings to provide comment directly to WeGo staff members, and submit feedback via mail, phone, and email as the agency works to ensure the proposed changes will meet the needs of the communities served.

Summer 2025 Proposed Service Changes

Weekday Midday Frequency Improvements :

• 6 Lebanon Pike – from hourly to every 30 minutes

Weekday Evening Frequency Improvements :

• 55 Murfreesboro Pike – from 20 minutes to 15 minutes
• 56 Gallatin Pike – from 20 minutes to 15 minutes

Weekend Frequency Improvements :

• 23 Dickerson Pike – from 25 minutes to 15 minutes (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• 50 Charlotte Pike – from 20-30 minutes to 15 minutes. (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• 55 Murfreesboro Pike – from 20 minutes to 15 minutes (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.); from 20-30 minutes to 15 minutes (weekend evenings)
• 56 Gallatin Pike – from 20 minutes to 15 minutes (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.); from 20-30 minutes to 15 minutes (weekend evenings)

Route Adjustments

• 19 Herman – move end of the line from Tennessee & 51st to Charlotte & 53rd Ave. N
• WeGo Link – expand service in the Broadmoor area of East Nashville and the Elm Hill Pike area of Donelson
• Access on Demand – add service on Saturdays (4:45 a.m. to 1 a.m.) and Sundays/Holidays (4:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.)

For more detailed information on these changes, customers are invited to visit the Customer Information Window at the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central or visit us online at WeGoTransit.com. Public meetings will occur as follows: Tuesday, March 18 from 12-1 p.m., Virtual meeting (Webex) Access Code 2499 126 530; Password 3pfQifFP23T; Phone 720-650-7664.

• Thursday, March 20 from 6-7 p.m., Virtual meeting (Webex) Access code 2496 744 3994; Password M2hSbSgNE47; Phone 720-650-7664.
• Tuesday, March 25 from 12-1 p.m., public meeting, Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central, 400 Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Blvd., Nashville.

Attendance at the above meetings is not required for comments. Comments may be mailed to WeGo Public Transit Community Engagement, Attn: Public Meeting Comments, 430 Myatt Drive, Nashville, TN 37115; submitted by telephone by calling Public Comments at 615-862-5686; or emailed to WeGoTransit@nashville.gov through April 3, 2025.

Nashville Soccer Club is expanding its partnership with WeGo Public Transit for the 2025 season to help improve the ridership experience to and from games. On all regular season home game days, and for 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches on June 20, 24, and 26, passengers can ride for free all day on routes 52 Nolensville Pike and 77 Thompson/Wedgewood. Additionally, route 84 Murfreesboro will be available for service to weekend home games from Murfreesboro and Antioch park-and-rides for $2 each way. Riders must use QuickTicket or exact cash for those trips. The drop-off and pick-up location at GEODIS Park will be on Wedgewood Avenue near parking lot 11. All WeGo buses are ADA compliant. More details can be found at Nashville SC WeGo Public Transit

Nashville Electric Service (NES) has announced technological upgrades that will make NES account management easier, starting April 1, 2025. These features include enhanced self-service options online, a more streamlined automated phone system, enhanced Balanced Billing, and quicker restoration on disconnected accounts. As part of this upgrade process, it is important to note that all customers will receive a new NES Account number, which they can login in on-line or call NES to obtain. This means customers that are set up on autopay with their bank or other bill pay site will need to update their account information before May 15 to prevent an interruption of service.

Judge Lynda Jones is accepting summer legal internship applications from high school students who have an interest in legal careers Parking and lunches are provided for 2 weeks while students are exposed to both criminal and civil litigation. Please call 615-880-3672 for an application. The deadline for submission is April 30.

Beginning May 7, 2025, everyone must have a REAL ID or another approved Federally-issued ID, such as a passport, to enter certain Federal buildings or military bases, or board commercial flights within the United States. To get a real ID Residents will need to go to a Tennessee Driver Service Center. Appointments should be made ahead of time, and specific documents are required to apply. More information can be found on the TN website.

Metro Water offers a great opportunity to learn more about where Nashville gets its water and how that water is cleaned before and after we use it. The Citizen’s Water Academy (CWA) is an opportunity for Metro Water Services (MWS) customers to #DiscoverWater and learn about our most precious natural resource, water, and how Water Services manages it from “river to river.” Citizen’s Water Academy is an in-person interactive program. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with Water Services Staff and experience the treatment process by touring various Water Services facilities - including the Research and Analytical Laboratory and historic Omohundro Water Treatment Plant. The next session will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the last half of April. MWS is currently accepting applications through March 31 here.

2025 is a property reappraisal year as required by Tennessee state law every 4 years. Since 1997, Metro’s property assessor has reviewed every parcel on a four year cycle to take into account how market values have changed across the county. This is never a uniform change, and the reappraisal process takes into account what properties have been selling for in each area to establish property values for every parcel. This is a revenue neutral process for the city. It is not intended to raise additional funds, but to redistribute where income comes from based on the change in property values in different areas. Without a reappraisal, property owners in a “cold” or depressed market area pay more than their fair share of the tax burden. Below is a graphic of the process provided by the Davidson County Property Assessor:

Metro’s Trustee has several property tax relief programs, including a tax freeze for older property owners. Under Metro’s Property Tax Freeze program, qualifying homeowners age 65 and older can “freeze” the tax due on their property at the amount for the year they qualify, even if tax rates or appraisal values increase. Property owners can apply by providing proof of ownership and records to show that total income is below $60,000. Members currently enrolled in the Property Tax Freeze and/or Property Tax Relief program(s) must submit their vouchers every year by April 5 to stay enrolled in the program(s).

ISSUES

On March 4 the Metro Council considered a bill that would move the Historic Zoning Commission under the Metro Planning Department. This was largely generated by frustration from some downtown property owners and some neighborhoods that felt that the historic zoning process was not always fair or consistent. A third party report was commissioned by the Mayor’s Office, Metro Planning, and Metro Codes to study the issue. The report, which focused heavily on downtown input and did not include any neighborhood input, listed a number of findings, including that 94% of historic applications are approved as submitted. The only recommendation that is currently being followed up on is moving Historic under Planning. After much public feedback, the original bill has been significantly altered to leave the Historic Commission as it is, and to move only the Historic Zoning Commission under Planning. The Historic Zoning Commission approves historic conservation guidelines, recommends approval of new historic overlays, and reviews renovations, demolitions, and new construction in historic overlays. A new position of Historic Zoning Administrator will be created in the Planning Department to lead the Historic Zoning Commission Staff, and all the roles and authority of the Historic Zoning Commission remain intact as spelled out currenlty in the Metro Code . A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be written to spell out how the Historic Zoning Commission and its Administrator will work with Planning to take advantage of Planning resources and to provide Planning with in-house historic expertise. I was not supportive of the original bill, but I believe that the substitute now under consideration is a much better solution to be discussing. A Public Hearing is set for the March 18 council meeting at the courthouse at 6:30. Neighbors can see the council discussion on Council Connect .

The Metro Council also continued our discussion of MNPD’s community camera network policy. The bill (BL2025-690) working its way through the council does not approve the contract with FUSUS or any other vendor. It spells out very specific and narrow uses of software that would allow MNPD to access information on cameras at businesses who have registered to participate, only in the event of a public emergency. It provides for very limited access to the information and requires a frequent independent audit process and annual reports to Metro Council. The council has received a lot of public input expressing concern about targeting of vulnerable communities as well as support for solving and preventing crimes. I support getting this policy in place before we take up the issue of whether to not to sign a contract to enable the on-line access. Given the current climate of frequent state and federal overruling of local laws, it is valid to have concerns about how we can ensure guardrails hold, and we will need to balance the relative risks as we make that very complicated decision.

Metro has over 75 Boards and Commissions who provide invaluable expertise and perspective on issues ranging from the Airport Authority to the Zoning Appeals Board. These boards are made up of citizens from all over Nashville who volunteer their time to ensure that Metro’s policies are implemented fairly. As openings occur, the mayor’s office is always looking for interested citizens to fill vacant slots. People interested in serving can visit the Board and Commission website to see what the different boards are, what they do, and when their members might be rolling off. The Social Services Commission, Airport Authority, Human Relations Commission, Transportation and Licensing Commission, Board of Health, and Parks Board have terms ending in April and May that might present opportunities for new members. Anyone interested in serving can submit an application through the portal . Some Human Relations positions are nominated by the council, so interested applicants should find a council sponsor in addition to applying on-line.

As housing has become increasing unaffordable for many people, creative solutions are being added to the city’s housing options. Nashville’s first Homesharing program is launching through a partnership between the Metro Housing Division and Nesterly, an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to building intergenerational connections and increasing access to affordable housing through homesharing. The program combines the age-old practice of intergenerational living with a digital platform and customer support to connect homeowners who have extra rooms with those seeking affordable places to live. Kay Bowers, one of Nashville’s leading housing experts, has agreed to serve as the Nashville Community Liaison with Nesterly. Kay believes that the program will unlock untapped housing supply, help older adults remain in their homes, and provide an affordable housing option for graduate students and young professionals just starting out. The platform helps housemates connect over common interests and facilitates the ability to exchange a portion of rental payments for help with grocery shopping, dog walking, yard work, tech support and more. Nesterly’s customer support team is led by licensed social workers and provides customer assistance throughout the homesharing process. All users must go through a multi-step screening process before they are connected. Testimonials from both hosts and guests in other cities share the significant benefits of intergenerational connections. The ultimate success of Nesterly’s homesharing program in Nashville will depend on having enough hosts to participate. Nashville has over 26,000 rooms to spare in the homes of Baby Boomers, and many of them could take advantage of this if folks help spread the word. Find out more here.

Happy Spring and Happy Pi Day (3.14)! It’s a great time to help a student learn to love math. Please let me know how Metro can serve you at burkley.allen@nashville.gov or 615-383-6604. Sign up for this newsletter at www.burkley.org.

Burkley Allen
Metro Council At-Large