There is a Metro Council Meeting on Tuesday at 6:00 pm. I wanted toe get this to you sooner this week due to important re-districting meetings that are starting on Monday! You must wear a mask to attend. An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

Re-Districting - redistrict.nashville.gov

The last time I wrote you, I mentioned that the re-districting maps will be out soon. We received the preliminary maps on Friday. Click here to view the proposed Council District Map. 

Here is a snap shot of the proposed District 21 changes...

Below are community meeting dates that will be hosted by the Planning Department. Please join these meetings to ask any questions you have and to comment and share your thoughts on the city's proposed re-districting efforts.

• • Monday, Oct. 18: Sonny West Conference Center, 3pm – 7:30pm

• • Thursday, Oct. 21: Madison Library,

• • • 2pm – 4pm by appointment: check for availability for your group and schedule a time in Madison

• • • 4:30pm – 7pm open house

• • Monday, Oct. 25: Southeast Library,

• • • 2pm – 4pm by appointment: check for availability for your group and schedule a time in Southeast

• • • 4:30pm – 7pm open house

• • Wednesday, Oct. 27, Bordeaux Library,

• • • 2pm – 4pm by appointment: check for availability for your group and schedule a time in Bordeaux

• • • 4:30pm – 7pm open house

• Drop by the Planning Department’s offices at the Metro Office Building, 800 Second Avenue South.

• • • Wednesday, Oct. 20, 10am – 4pm

• • • Tuesday, Oct. 26, 10am – 4pm

• • • Thursday, Oct. 28, 3pm – 6pm

Capital Improvements Budget (CIB) 

I also discussed the Capital Improvements Budget (CIB) with you in my last newsletter. Each year council members submit items to the Planning Department for the annual CIB. This list is due on October 31st and I'd like to hear from you of what Capital Improvements you would like me to add to our District's list. Click here to complete the District 21 CIB survey.

What's Happening Tonight

BL2021-961 - This is the re-introduction of CM Johnston's License Plate Reader (LPR) bill. It's on 1st reading tonight.

BL2021-911 - This is an ordinance that will add regulations to the Transportainment/Party Buses/tractors/boats/Golf Carts/Pedal Taverns/Etc. that we see in the downtown region. It will amend Chapter 2.100 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the composition of the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission, amending Title 6 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the operation and regulation of Entertainment Transportation Vehicles, amending Section 9.20.020 pertaining to vehicle noise, and amending Sections 6.75.240, 7.24.040, and 12.54.210 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the consumption of alcoholic beverages in vehicles.

BL2021-866 - This ordinance would prohibit passengers in a motor vehicle from consuming or possessing an alcoholic beverage or beer during the operation of the vehicle.

Dates to Remember:

• District 21 Town Hall Meeting - Discussing Tax Freeze & Relief, Illegal Dumping, and Traffic Calming
  • Tuesday, October 28 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  • West End United Methodist Church (Mask Required)
    • 2200 West End Ave 
    • Virtual link option to be provided later
• Buchanan Business Owners Introduction Meeting
  • Thursday, November 4 - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
  • North Nashville Police Precinct
  • 2231 26th Ave N
• Community Meeting regarding a community plan amendment and rezoning request for properties at 9th Ave N and Buchanan St. We met about this property early in the term. The Developer wanted to build a dog park.
  
  • Thursday, November 4 - 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (tentative)
  • North Nashville Police Precinct
  • 2231 26th Ave N

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon

There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:00 pm and we have a lot to cover. You must wear a mask to attend. An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

Re-Districting

Nashville's re-districting conversation is heating up. I wrote about this topic a few newsletters back. I encourage you to sign up for the re-districting newsletter here. Preliminary District maps will be available for review on Friday, October 15. Community meetings will be set for the following Monday and more throughout the month of October. If you have any questions regarding your proposed re-districting status, you can email Metro Planning staff at [email protected]. As I mentioned before, several Nashvillians will not remain in their current district and you may be re-districted to a new Council District.

Capital Improvements Budget (CIB) 

When I started this journey, District 21 was missing out on Millions of dollars in infrastructure investments. We changed that by including your needs into a Capital Improvements Budget annually. Each year, we have the opportunity to add to our "wish list" of capital needs throughout the District. We've been able to see a few of these items added to our CIB come to fruition throughout the past couple of years. The CIB is simply a wish list. The items on the CIB are lobbied by you and your council member (me) to work with the mayor to add to the Capital Spending Plan (CSP). The items must be included in the CIB to be added to the mayor's CSP. The District's CIB requests for the upcoming year will need to be added by October 31 - Will you please share your thoughts, via email at [email protected], on what you see that needs to be added as a Capital/Infrastructure investment in your community? This will help me decide on what is needed to be added within our current CIB. You can review the current CIB here.

Hadley Park Updates

Historic Hadley Park will be receiving a new pavilion and updated signage.

Stop The Bullying Walk - October 16

COVID-19 - A Safer Nashville COVID Website

Metro Public Health Department has Covid Vaccine Booster Shots available. There are also Drive-Thru Covid Testing sites open as well.

To receive more insight regarding the city's response to COVID-19, please visit "A Safer Nashville" website by clicking here.

What I've Been Up To:

•  I-40 Cap: There will be a meeting on this Saturday, October 9 at noon. regarding the Cap. It will be at Lee Chapel AME Church. The mayor and representatives from NDOT will be in attendance to discuss what the Cap is all about. This is a proposed infrastructure project. Please join and let us know your thoughts, either way - Want it or Don't Want it.
• 37208 Committee - The 37208 committee is a few steps away from creating a 37208 Fund that will support, through a participatory grant making process, small non-profits that are activating in the 37208 zip code and helping families and youth in the 37208 zip code. 
• Participatory Budgeting: The city has appropriated $2 Million to North Nashville and Bordeaux for a Participatory Budgeting program for capital improvements. There is a committee of your peers and neighbors working to find what best to spend the money on, and we want to hear from you. We are meeting on Thursday, October 7 at 6:00 pm at St. James Missionary Baptist Church. This meeting will have a virtual option as well, please review details in the "Dates to Remember" section below.
• License Plate Readers (LPRs) Survey: I've had this survey up for a while Thank you for responding, if you haven't had the chance to complete the survey please do so now. This will be re-introduced to the council soon!
  • Click here to take the survey.

What's Happening Tonight

Elections and Confirmations: Multiple Elections and Confirmations tonight. We will be selecting a new Planning Committee Chair that will also sit on the Metro Planning Commission. The Transportation Chair is also up for election.

RS2021-1177 - A resolution accepting a Promotion of the Arts grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, to support a permanent public art lighting installation and an artist residency program in North Nashville.

RS2021-1183 - A resolution recognizing October as Italian-American Heritage Month and celebrating the contributions and achievements of Italian Americans.

BL2021-911 - This is an ordinance that will add regulations to the Transportainment/Party Buses/tractors/boats/Golf Carts/Pedal Taverns/Etc. that we see in the downtown region. It will amend Chapter 2.100 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the composition of the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission, amending Title 6 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the operation and regulation of Entertainment Transportation Vehicles, amending Section 9.20.020 pertaining to vehicle noise, and amending Sections 6.75.240, 7.24.040, and 12.54.210 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the consumption of alcoholic beverages in vehicles.

This ordinance is being updated. The sponsor will more-than-likely defer this item.

BL2021-922 - An ordinance amending Sections 17.04.060, 17.08.030, and 17.16.070 of the Metropolitan Code, Zoning Regulations to implement a distance requirement for the "bar or nightclub" use. Establishments shall be a minimum of 100 linear feet from the property line of another property upon which a single family residential, two family residential, day care center (up to 75), day care center (over 75), day care home, school day care, orphanage, monastery or convent, religious institution, or community education use is located.

BL2021-872 - This is an ordinance that will mandate masks be worn inside all public spaces. 

Dates to Remember:

• Participatory Budgeting Community Meeting - Share with us how we should spend $2M in North Nashville and Bordeaux
  • Thursday, October 7 - 6:00 pm
  • St. James Missionary Baptist Church
    • 600 28th Ave N - In Person location (Masks Required)
  • Online Streaming Option - Click Here
• Jefferson Street Cap - Come learn what this is all about - I have not heard a lot from the Mayor's office, but interested to hear and learn about this proposed project.
  • Saturday, October 9 - 12:00pm - 1:00 pm 
  • Lee Chapel AME Church (Outdoor Event)
    • 1716 Scovel St.
• Community Meeting regarding a proposed Rezone at the NW Corner of 12th Ave N & Wheless St.
  • Tuesday, October 12 - 6:00 pm
  • NW Corner of 12th Ave N and Wheless St. (Outdoor Event)
• Community Meeting to discuss DADU Overlay
  • Wednesday, October 13 - 6:00 pm
  • Virtual Meeting: Click Here
• Community Meeting regarding a community plan amendment and rezoning request for properties at 9th Ave N and Buchanan St. We met about this property early in the term. The Developer wanted to build a dog park.
  • Tuesday, October 26 - 6:00 pm
  • Location TBA (Working on a hybrid meeting)
• Metro Planning Commission Meeting - DADU Overlay
  • Tuesday, October 28 - 4:00 pm
  • 700 2nd Ave S
• District 21 Town Hall Meeting - Discussing Tax Freeze & Relief, Illegal Dumping, and Traffic Calming
  • Tuesday, October 28 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  • West End United Methodist Church (Mask Required)
    • 2200 West End Ave 
    • Virtual link option to be provided later

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon

There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:00 pm. Please join us, there's a public comment period at the beginning of the meeting... You must wear a mask to attend. An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

I'm going to start this Newsletter with a much different topic than I usually share... I am a huge football fan. I really enjoy the game. So, as we kickoff this season, let's remember to keep fighting, just like the Titans and Derrick Henry. If you had a chance to watch the Titans play in Seattle this past Sunday, you know what I mean by "Keep Fighting!" The Titans found themselves in a 24 - 9 deficit at halftime against one of the best teams in the NFL. During halftime, the Titans made a few adjustments on offense and defense and came out in the next half ready to play their brand of football. They continued to fight and won the game with a field goal with the final score Titans 33 - Seahawks 30. 

Nashville has been through a lot over the past few years, but remember, we have to keep fighting. Many families are still recovering from the March 3rd, 2020 tornado that tore through our District. All of us are wading through the clutches of the Covid Health Pandemic, but we have to keep wearing our masks and getting our vaccinations, Keep Fighting! I ask all my neighbors, to do their part and keep fighting for a safer, healthier, and stronger Nashville.

COVID-19 - A Safer Nashville COVID Website

In my last message, I mentioned that COVID-19 has began to surge, greatly, throughout the country and right here in Davidson County. The city continues to provide, both, testing and vaccination sites. If you are feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, you can get tested at the sites below. If you haven't received the vaccine and would like to, you can get your vaccine at one of the sites below. 

To receive more insight regarding the city's response to COVID-19, please visit "A Safer Nashville" website by clicking here.

What I've Been Up To:

•  I-40 Cap: There has been a lot of conversation regarding the I-40 cap. I met with the Director of NDOT recently to help answer any questions we have. Please be on the lookout for information regarding the proposed cap project this week. I've met with NDOT leadership, and they are planning to have an information session in the coming week or so.
• I am working to get a development in the Centennial Park area to install sidewalks along the East side of the Park. This will help with mobility in and out of the park, currently, there are no sidewalks or pedestrian walking trails. We are meeting next week to discuss this with a developer that may donate the work to the city... Fingers crossed.
• Illegal Dumping Meeting... I walked several alleys throughout the district with representatives from Waste Management, Metro Water, NDOT, Metro Codes, Metro Public Health, Nashville Fire, and Metro Police last week. They were able to see (and smell) the illegal dumping issues that we have. From this meeting, we are looking to provide 1.) more lighting in the alleyways, 2.) paving alleys in North Nashville, 3.) trimming brush and trees for safer passage through the alleyways, 4.) organize more metro alley/brush pickup through District 21 alleys, and 5.) we are establishing an advisory team to think through options that will mitigate the problem once and for all. Please continue to send your reports to HubNashville for illegal dumping, your engagement and vigilance helps tremendously. 
• 37208 Committee - The 37208 committee is planning a series of conversations regarding Alternatives to Policing. During budget season, we heard a lot from constituents about financial resources and where we are prioritizing dollars. This series will help have a conversation on public safety and welcome thoughts from leaders in this area.
• Participatory Budgeting: The city has appropriated $2 Million to North Nashville and Bordeaux for a Participatory Budgeting program for capital improvements. There is a committee of your peers and neighbors working to find what best to spend the money on, and we want to hear from you. I will be hosting a meeting soon to allow this committee to share their thoughts with you, but most importantly, they would like to hear from their neighbors and what is most important in our communities.  
• License Plate Readers (LPRs) Survey: I've had this survey up for a while Thank you for responding, if you haven't had the chance to complete the survey please do so now. This will be re-introduced to the council Tonight!
  • Click here to take the survey.

What's Happening Tonight

Elections and Confirmations:

We have multiple confirmations tonight for the Auditorium Commission and the Tour and Convention Commission. We will also nominate a few folks to be elected to the Industrial Development Board (IDB). The IDB elections will take place at the next meeting

BL2021-840 - On Third Reading: Changing RS5 zoning to R6-A Zoning at 706 26th Ave N - I'm the sponsor.

BL2021-861 - On Third Reading: Changing RS5 zoning to R6-A Zoning at 0 Booker Street - I'm the sponsor.

BL2021-911 - This is an ordinance that will add regulations to the Transportainment/Party Buses/tractors/boats/Golf Carts/Pedal Taverns/Etc. that we see in the downtown region. It will amend Chapter 2.100 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the composition of the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission, amending Title 6 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the operation and regulation of Entertainment Transportation Vehicles, amending Section 9.20.020 pertaining to vehicle noise, and amending Sections 6.75.240, 7.24.040, and 12.54.210 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the consumption of alcoholic beverages in vehicles.

BL2021-872 - This is an ordinance that will mandate masks be worn inside all public spaces. 

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon

There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:00 pm. An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

Happy Labor Day! I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day celebration this weekend. 

Before we go any further... I'd like to take this moment to celebrate me and Damita's anniversary, which is tomorrow. Happy Anniversary Damita!

COVID-19 - A Safer Nashville COVID Website

COVID-19 has began to surge, greatly, throughout the country and right here in Davidson County. The city has provided, both, testing and vaccination sites. If you are feeling any COVID-19 symptoms, you can get tested at the sites below. If you haven't received the vaccine and would like to, you can get your vaccine at one of the sites below. 

What I've Been Up To:

• WeGo is planning a development of a transit center at the intersection of 26th Ave N and Clarksville Hwy. We had a great meeting in August. WeGo explained their process and goals in detail and shared that there will be more engagement opportunities in the future. We had several questions regarding the overall land development, but the land owner did not join the meeting. I'm hoping to have a meeting with the land owner and WeGo soon. 
•  I-40 Cap: There has been a lot of conversation regarding the I-40 cap. I met with the Director of NDOT recently to help answer any questions we have. I am working to schedule a meeting with NDOT, the mayor, and you all to have a better understanding of what the Cap Conversation is all about. Please give me a little time to work through the details, but I plan to have a meeting scheduled for this fall. (Still Working)
• I am working to get a development in the Centennial Park area to install sidewalks along the East side of the Park. This will help with mobility in and out of the park, currently, there are no sidewalks or pedestrian walking trails. 
• Illegal Dumping Meeting... Representatives from the mayor's office, NDOT (Public Works), Metro Water's Waste Management, and I will be meeting in an alley near you soon. This is an area I've been working on for a while. We have made some headway, and we are working on a plan to get the alleys and illegal dumping cleared and a plan to mitigate the dumping from ever happening. I will continue to work on this and find a plan that serves you best.
• 37208 Committee - The 37208 committee is planning a series of conversations regarding Alternatives to Policing. During budget season, we heard a lot from constituents about financial resources and where we are prioritizing dollars. This series will help have a conversation on public safety and welcome thoughts from leaders in this area.
• License Plate Readers (LPRs) Survey: I've had this survey up for a while Thank you for responding, if you haven't had the chance to complete the survey please do so now. This will be re-introduced to the council Tonight!
  • Click here to take the survey.

What's Happening Tonight

Elections and Confirmations:

We will elect a person to serve on the Community Oversight Board tonight. Also, Saul Solomon is up to be confirmed as the mayor's pick to serve as the interim Director of Finance. There has been a little pushback on Mr. Solomon due to his finance history. This will be an interesting conversation. 

BL2021-840 - On Second Reading/ Public Hearing: Changing RS5 zoning to R6-A Zoning at 706 26th Ave N - I'm the sponsor.

BL2021-861 - On Second Reading/ Public Hearing: Changing RS5 zoning to R6-A Zoning at 0 Booker Street - I'm the sponsor.

RS2021-1089 -  A resolution accepting a grant from the Metro Historical Commission Foundation to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metro Historical Commission, to assist with a portion of the costs associated with the site's master plan for Fort Negley Park.

BL2021-582 - This is the original License Plate Reader (LPR) Legislation. This bill allows for LPRs in the Right-of-Way (ROW) in fixed locations and in police cars. It allows for storage of 30 days. This is a pilot, and will have to come back to the council at the sunset date.

BL2021-841 - This is an additional License Plate Reader (LPR) legislation. This bill will only allows for LPR systems to keep information for 24hrs. The LPRs can only be used in police cars. The LPRs must only capture the license plate and no other objects or persons within the car.

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon

There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:00 pm. We are back in the Council Chambers - Please join us if you'd like (masks are required)... An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

Metro Nashville Traffic Calming Program

I've heard from several of you regarding the high rates of speeding, illegal parking in alleys, too close to intersections, in the bike lanes, etc. I have communicated these issues with Cmdrs. McClain, Widener, and Corman regarding these areas. 

If you are having the traffic concerns mentioned above, or any other traffic concerns, I would like to encourage you to apply to the Metro Nashville Traffic Calming Program. The Metro Traffic Calming Program is designed to identify, prioritize, and help mitigate the undesirable effects of traffic in residential neighborhoods. The most common goals for traffic calming projects are:

1. lower traffic speeds, and
2. safer street accommodations for non-drivers.

Traffic calming represents the continual effort and commitment of Metro to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Nashville Department of Transportation, along with other agencies such as the Metro Planning Department and the Metro Police Department, work together to assist neighbors to keep our streets safe for all users. Recommended improvements should be an enhancement to each neighborhood and projects are therefore developed in concert with residents.

In order to provide a fair evaluation of a very high number of neighborhoods desiring to participate, applications for traffic calming are accepted only during specified times. The neighborhood traffic calming application period is currently closed.

We are encouraging residents to review the Traffic Calming Applications on File before submitting a new application. If your neighborhood street is already on file, you do not need to submit an additional application for consideration into the program.

With the rise of the COVID-19 Delta Variant the city has required masks in Metro buildings

WeGo Transit Center in North Nashville

I've shared a blurb in my Newsletter over the last several months asking for you to complete a survey regarding the proposed North Nashville Transit Center. I've invited WEGO and the property developer to share their preliminary plans for the center, but, most importantly, you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts and what you would like to see at the corner of 26th Ave N and Clarksville Hwy.

Join me, this Saturday, August 21: 10:00 am at the North Nashville Police Precinct (2231 26th Ave N)

What I've Been Up To:

• WeGo is planning a development of a transit center at the intersection of 26th Ave N and Clarksville Hwy. I've scheduled a meeting for Saturday, August 21 at 10:00 am at the North Police Precinct. 
• I completed a ride-along with NDOT (Public Works) throughout the district. There are several areas that have been mentioned by neighbors that are having traffic issues, and we had a chance to observe each area. From, 23rd Ave N to Church St, we walked through each area and noted major challenges and NDOT is working through those.
•  I-40 Cap: There has been a lot of conversation regarding the I-40 cap. I met with the Director of NDOT recently to help answer any questions we have. I am working to schedule a meeting with NDOT, the mayor, and you all to have a better understanding of what the Cap Conversation is all about. Please give me a little time to work through the details, but I plan to have a meeting scheduled for this fall.
• In working with a development near Centennial Park, the city was able to receive a $100,000 donation to Metro Parks to upgrade the fence at Centennial Park Dog Park.
• I met with the manager at Ted Rhodes Golf Course, located right at the corner of our District. They would like to have a meeting room/banquet room to attract more tournaments. Ted Rhodes is the second highest grossing municipal golf course in Davidson County, but we have not invested into the center in decades. I am working with the Metro Parks Director and the course manager to find dollars to add these much needed upgrades.
• License Plate Readers (LPRs) Survey: I sent you a quick, 4-question survey regarding your thoughts on LPRs last week. Thank you for responding, if you haven't had the chance to complete the survey please do so now. This will be re-introduced to the council Tonight!
  • Click here to take the survey.

What's Happening Tonight

RS2021-1087- A resolution approving a grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Action Commission, to be used for emergency rental assistance in accordance with the purposes set forth in Section 3201(a) of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

RS2021-1090 - A resolution approving the employment contract for the Chief Medical Director of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Dr. Gill Wright has been the acting Medical Director of the Health Department for several months. This Resolution will accept the board's recommendation to approve his contract as the Chief Medical Director.

BL2021-582 - This is the original License Plate Reader (LPR) Legislation. This bill allows for LPRs in the Right-of-Way (ROW) in fixed locations and in police cars. It allows for storage of 30 days. This is a pilot, and will have to come back to the council at the sunset date.

BL2021-841 - This is an additional License Plate Reader (LPR) legislation. This bill will only allows for LPR systems to keep information for 24hrs. The LPRs can only be used in police cars. The LPRs must only capture the license plate and no other objects or persons within the car.

• WeGo North Nashville Transit Community Meeting (Mask Required)
  • Saturday, August 21 10:00 am
  • North Police Precinct
  • 2231 26th Ave N
• (Tentative Date) District 21 Town Hall
  • Thursday, September 30 at 6:30 pm
  • West End United Methodist Church
  • 2200 West End Ave.

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon

There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:00 pm. We are back in the Council Chambers - Please join us if you'd like... An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

Redistricting

Every 10 years, after the U.S. Census, Metro Nashville must re-establish the boundaries for Metro Council and School Board districts. The new districts must be balanced in population and follow traditional redistricting criteria, in conformance with federal, state, and local rules. The Metro Charter assigns responsibility for redistricting to the Planning Commission, which makes its recommendation to the Metro Council for adoption.

I met with Metro Planning a few weeks ago to discuss the redistricting process. As for now there is a great possibility that parts of the 21st District will be amended; some areas may move into an adjacent district and other areas will be added into our district. This website will share more information regarding the redistricting process. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Metro Planning at [email protected]. 

WeGo Transit Center in North Nashville

Over the past year and a half, I have worked with the Mayor's office and WeGo (MTA) regarding a Transit Center at the intersection of 26th Ave N and Clarksville Hwy. We've submitted applications to the federal government for funding and we approved capital spending dollars from Metro last budget season. Below is a link to a survey - We are requesting your feedback, as a neighbor, to help us understand your thoughts and provide an opportunity for engagement throughout this process. 

Click here to take the WeGo North Nashville Transit Center Engagement Survey!

What I've Been Up To:

• WeGo is planning a development of a transit center at the intersection of 26th Ave N and Clarksville Hwy. I am working to schedule a community meeting to share more detailed information regarding their plans and timeline. This meeting has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 21 at 10:00 am at the North Police Precinct. 
• I finalized the criminal justice fines and fees legislation to reduce and remove certain fines and fees. This bill passed during our last meeting. We were able to substantially remove fees that individuals are paying that keeps them in the pipeline of the criminal justice system.
• I've scheduled a ride-along with NDOT (Public Works) in the coming weeks to review the traffic calming areas of concern. We will highlight the problem areas and then take action immediately. 
• License Plate Readers (LPRs) Survey: I sent you a quick, 4-question survey regarding your thoughts on LPRs last week. Thank you for responding, if you haven't had the chance to complete the survey please do so now. This will be re-introduced to the council at the first meeting in July.
  • Click here to take the survey.

What's Happening Tonight

RS2021-1064 - A resolution appropriating a total of $120,000 from the Juvenile Court to various nonprofit organizations selected to receive Community Partnership Fund grants.

RS2021-1066 - A resolution appropriating a total of $85,000 from a certain account of the General Fund of the General Services District to various nonprofit organizations selected to receive Public Safety Violence Reduction Pilot Grant Funds.

RS2021-1074 - A resolution accepting a grant from oneCITY to the Metropolitan Government, acting by and through the Metropolitan Nashville Parks Department, for improvements in Centennial Park and Centennial Park Dog Park.

Late File Resolution - A resolution appropriating a total of $850,000 from the General Fund of the General Services District for a grant to Community Care Fellowship and authorizing a grant agreement.

BL2021-830 - An ordinance amending Title 3 of the Metropolitan Code to delete obsolete provisions and add certain Department of Emergency Communications employees to the Fire and Police Service Pension Plan.

BL2019-3 - This ordinance will provide a tax abatement for properties that are to be determined historic by the Historic Property Review Board.

BL2021-792 - An ordinance amending Chapter 2.136 of the Metropolitan Code to require the Planning Department to provide periodic reports regarding the Metropolitan Government’s efforts to address the issue of housing affordability in Nashville and Davidson County.

Dates to remember:

• Community meeting to discuss a proposed rezone to change the property located at 2100 Buchanan St. from CS to MUL-A
  • Thursday, August 5 - 6:00 pm
  • 2100 Buchanan St. 
• (Tentative) WeGo North Nashville Transit Community Meeting
  • Saturday, August 21 10:00 am
  • North Police Precinct
  • 2231 26th Ave N
• (Tentative) District 21 Town Hall
  • Thursday, September 23 at 6:30 pm
  • West End United Methodist Church
  • 2200 West End Ave.

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon

There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:00 pm. We are back in the Council Chambers - Please join us if you'd like... An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

North Nashville Tree Recovery

Through the citywide Root Nashville tree-planting campaign, Metro Water Services is coordinating the planting of street trees in the right-of-way in targeted neighborhoods of North Nashville. Street trees reduce storm water runoff and flooding, provide shade and cleaner air, and of course, add neighborhood character and beauty.

The next zone to benefit from this planting campaign is the Osage/North Fisk neighborhoods (west of Dr. D.B. Todd Blvd around Fisk Park and Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary School). Linked below are a couple documents and a short recorded meeting that highlight the tree planting locations, proposed size, and planting time.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to Root Nashville at [email protected] or 615-862-4733.

Informational Links

• Fall Tree Planting Blog Post - https://rootnashville.org/fall2021streettrees/
• Recorded Information Session

WeGo Transit Center in North Nashville

Over the past year and a half, I have worked with the Mayor's office and WeGo (MTA) regarding a Transit Center at the intersection of 26th Ave N and Clarksville Hwy. We've submitted applications to the federal government for funding and we approved capital spending dollars from Metro last budget season. Below is a link to a survey - We are requesting your feedback, as a neighbor, to help us understand your thoughts and provide an opportunity for engagement throughout this process. 

Click here to take the WeGo North Nashville Transit Center Engagement Survey!

Dates to remember:

• North Nashville Community Public Safety Meeting
  • Thursday, June 29 - 6:00 pm
  • William D. Bodenhamer Building (North Police Precinct)
    • 2231 26th Ave N
• Community meeting to discuss a proposed rezone to amend the Sky Nashville SP
  • Monday, August 2 - 6:00 pm
  • West Nashville Police Precinct 
• Community meeting to discuss a proposed rezone and Community Plan Amendment - 41st Ave N and Indiana
  • Monday, August 2 - 7:30 pm
  • Location: TBA
• Community meeting to discuss a proposed rezone to change the property located at 2100 Buchanan St. from CS to MUL-A
  • Thursday, August 5 - 6:00 pm
  • 2100 Buchanan St. 
• WeGo North Nashville Transit - I am working with Representative Love, CM Toombs, WeGo, and the developer to host a meeting to discuss the proposed development at Clarksville Hwy and 26th Ave N. - Once scheduled, I will let you know immediately date and time and location.
• In August - I had to push it back a month -  I will be unveiling a new program to promote healthy activity and movement - "Meet Me Outside" I will be coming to your neighborhood for a stroll with you soon. Stay Tuned!

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon

There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:00 pm. We are back in the Council Chambers - Please join us if you'd like...  We will host public hearings on the respective ordinances, review the agenda for more information. An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

Hope your 4th of July Celebration was Great!

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July celebration. You may have heard about an incident in the Bridge Building near the fireworks blast zone with metro officers...

Prior to the start of the fireworks, NFD Fire Marshal personnel spotted a person on the roof of the Bridge Building.  An MNPD helicopter flew to the area and confirmed that there was an individual on the roof.  The fire marshal advised that the show would not begin until the person was off the roof and the building cleared of anyone else.  SWAT officers were dispatched to the building and found all the doors locked.  They knocked and attempted to look into the building on every level that they could access from the stairwell on the building’s exterior.  No one came to any of the doors and they could not see anyone by looking through the windows at that point; however, NFD personnel relayed that Bridge Building security cameras showed people inside.  An employee of the Bridge Building was requested to come to the scene and provide access to the interior.  As they waited for the employee, officers could see persons through a window on the fourth floor.  They were directed to open the door.  Instead, they ran further into the building. 

Once the employee arrived and the officers gained access into the building, four persons, a Bridge Building employee and three of her friends, were located inside.  They were escorted out.  Eight SWAT officers then divided into two teams to clear the building to ensure that no one else was inside.  They started with the fifth and sixth floors to include the rooftop.  While the officers were still in the building and the helicopter remained close by, a security guard apparently relayed to an NFD employee that he was the last one in the building.  Without going through command and without checking with MNPD to ensure officers were out of the building, the message was relayed to start the fireworks show.  Command was not advised the show had commenced.

Due to the close proximity of the professional firework mortal shells and the fallout from detonated fireworks, the eight SWAT members sheltered inside the Bridge Building until the conclusion of the fireworks show.

 Upon being surprised by the show starting, the helicopter crew took immediate action to quickly move away.

No charges were placed against the four persons cleared from the building last night, although their actions continue to be under review as part of an open investigation.

The NFD is leading the review of the miscommunication that caused this situation.

Tax Referendum - Judge ruled against

For those of you that have been following this, you may have already heard. For others, here's a quick rundown of the highlights this referendum would have allowed...

1. Rollback the FY20-21 Budget that included a tax increase across the city. The budget passed last year would be removed, in turn ruling the current budget unbalanced.
2. Recall elected officials - This referendum would allow elected officials to be recalled by only 10% of voters in any given district. It takes 50 + 1% to elect officials, but this would only require 10% to recall or unseat the elected officials. Also, the recalled official would not be able to run again for a city office. I was on the list of recalls. This would be costly, it costs the city millions of dollars to host elections, and this would come from the tax payer dollars to host said elections.
3. Remove council insurance benefits.
4. Council would not be able to amend the Metro Code and Charter without an election. This would be costly, again, due to hosting a special election.

Overall, our tax dollars would have been spent on hosting several special elections to fulfill the actions describe in the proposed tax referendum.

WeGo Transit Center in North Nashville

Over the past year and a half, I have worked with the Mayor's office and WeGo (MTA) regarding a Transit Center at the intersection of 26th Ave N and Clarksville Hwy. We've submitted applications to the federal government for funding and we approved capital spending dollars from Metro last budget season. Below is a link to a survey - We are requesting your feedback, as a neighbor, to help us understand your thoughts and provide an opportunity for engagement throughout this process. 

Click here to take the WeGo North Nashville Transit Center Engagement Survey!

What I've Been Up To:

• I will be hosting community meetings again starting in August. I limited my community meetings at the beginning of the COVID Pandemic and I am now slowly adding them back into our District regimen. 
• WeGo is working to add a transit center at 26th Ave N. and Clarksville Hwy. These conversations have not reached the neighbors of that area, and I want to make sure that the voices of our communities are heard. I will be scheduling a community listening session with WeGo and the developer to connect with you and hear your thoughts regarding this proposed development.
• Alley Cleanup - The majority of the correspondence I receive from neighbors is regarding the illegal dumping in our District. This is an area that I work on daily as your council member. I had two meetings last week discussing options to mitigate the amount of trash and garbage throughout our alleys. In the coming weeks, I will visit with the Public Works Director, Mayor Cooper, and the Metro Water Director to present options that are needed to keep our neighborhoods healthy and clean.
  • I'm working to schedule this meeting soon. I've spoken with the Mayor's Office and others stakeholders. I'll keep you updated.
•  Scheduled a meeting with Public Works (NDOT) to survey the district to add traffic signs to help manage speeding.
• License Plate Readers (LPRs) Survey: I sent you a quick, 4-question survey regarding your thoughts on LPRs last week. Thank you for responding, if you haven't had the chance to complete the survey please do so now. 
  • Click here to take the survey.

What's Happening Tonight

We have a few Airport Authority appointments. There's also one Fair Board appointment that will have deep discussion and may require a roll call vote.

BL2020-716 - This has been an ongoing ordinance, the property owner has failed on numerous occasions to provide notices to neighbors to for the public hearing. This bill is on second reading and will allow Lexus of Nashville to change the zoning to allow for a parking lot. I'm sponsoring this bill.

RS2021-1020 - A resolution accepting a grant of $11,6000 with no match required from Metro Historical Commission Foundation to assess the historical concrete structures in Centennial Park.

RS2021-1021 - This resolution accepts a direct appropriation grant in the amount of $5,000,000 from the State of Tennessee. The State’s FY 22 budget included funding for direct appropriations to cities and counties based upon population up to a maximum of $5,000,000. The program is titled the Local Infrastructure Grant Program, but the language in the state budget appropriation act does not place any restrictions on the use of the funds so long as the funds are used for nonrecurring expenses. Metro will not be required to file a plan regarding the use of the grant funds.

RS2021-1035 - A Resolution to encourage alternatives to evictions as federal funding is made available for rent relief for tenants whose incomes have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

RS2021-1036 - A Resolution honoring the life of Jimmy Allen Ruth, bus driver for The Freedom Riders.

Dates to remember:

• I will be spending a lot of time with family this month... My availability will be limited. Thank you for understanding. The last year or so has been demanding and draining on public officials, and I've found some time to share July 2021 with family.
• Tentative: Community meeting to discuss a proposed rezone to amend the Sky Nashville SP
  • Monday, August 2 - 6:00 pm
  • West Nashville Police Precinct 
• Community meeting to discuss a proposed rezone to change the property located at 2100 Buchanan St. from CS to MUL-A
  • Thursday, August 5 - 6:00 pm
  • 2100 Buchanan St. 
• WeGo North Nashville Transit - I am working with Representative Love, CM Toombs, WeGo, and the developer to host a meeting to discuss the proposed development at Clarksville Hwy and 26th Ave N. - Once scheduled, I will let you know immediately date and time and location.
• In August - I had to push it back a month -  I will be unveiling a new program to promote healthy activity and movement - "Meet Me Outside" I will be coming to your neighborhood for a stroll with you soon. Stay Tuned!

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon

There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:00 pm. We are back in-person this evening at the Music City Center - Please join us if you'd like... An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

Tonight we will be discussing the budget... These bills are on public hearing. By law, we must vote on a balanced budget by June 30 each year or the previous years budget will prevail as the new budget.

CM Zulfat Suara created a very detailed list of highlights. See below...

• Schools: For the first time in many years, the mayor’s FY22 budget is fully funding MNPS. This is an $81 million increase from last year’s budget aimed mostly at improving teachers’ compensation, especially for mid-career educators.
• Affordable Housing: $2.5 million dollar increase to the Barnes Funds spending (from $10 to $12.5 million) with additional federal aid to create an overall increase of $37 million.
• Police: $16 million increase (from $210 to $226 million) in an effort to staff a new precinct in Southeast Nashville.
• Transit: $25 million increase to return us to a normal level after federal funds allowed the budget to relax last year (+$1 million to fund technology improvements on the commuter rail).
• Livability: Increases in parks (+ $4 million) and arts (+ $0.5 million).
• $52 million in real, organic budget growth 
• As projected for June 30, we will have $314 million in savings (this is still below the $400 million in fund balance/savings that the Government Finance Officers Association would recommend, but it is still an improvement)
• Debt service (the amount that a city pays for debt) is finally decreasing for the first time since 2015 and rests at 13.6% this year (which is in the “safe” range of 8%-15%) 
• A 7.3% increase in potential spending dollars (now $2.65 billion)

What I've Been Up To:

• Working to finalize legislation to reduce the criminal justice fines and fees. I told you this will be filed by the next meeting, but we have hit a few roadblocks. We are working through the challenges and I will keep you updated.
• There is a new Police Commander in North Precinct, Cmdr. Anthony McClain. I will be hosting an outdoor "Meet My Commander" meeting in the coming months. Meeting will be the first week of August.
• License Plate Readers (LPRs) Survey: I sent you a quick, 4-question survey regarding your thoughts on LPRs last week. Thank you for responding, if you haven't had the chance to complete the survey please do so now. 
  • Click here to take the survey.

What's Happening Tonight

There is a public hearing tonight for the budget. 

The following legislative items will be considered on 2nd reading during the Public Hearing.

BL2021-752 - This ordinance adopts the Capital Improvements Budget (CIB) for fiscal year 2021-2022 through 2026-2027. A link <https://www.nashville.gov/Portals/0/SiteContent/Planning/docs/CIB/2022/FY22_CIB_MayDraft.pdf>to the CIB is posted on the Council’s webpage. The CIB is a planning document and does not in itself appropriate any money. All capital projects must be provided for in this document before a capital improvement can be approved by the Council, except in the case of a public emergency.

BL2021-736 - This is the FY22 Metro Budget Bill... See what's in this bill, follow this link.

Dates to remember:

• No new neighborhood meetings scheduled at this time. 

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon

There is a Metro Council Meeting tonight at 6:00 pm. We are back in-person this evening at the Music City Center - Please join us if you'd like... An agenda has been provided, and you can watch the meeting live via channel 3 or stream live on your electronic devices. Also, please do not respond to this email... You can reach me at [email protected].

COVID-19

It's like it never happened... On Thursday, Metro Department of Public Health announced that Nashville/Davidson County will remove the mask mandate. As of Friday, May 14th, all of Davidson County's Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted. Many retail and other locations are still requiring masks in their establishments. I would ask you to please respect these establishments, as they are following the guidance of their leadership. On Saturday, I was out with my family and noticed, on several occasions, staff members being harassed by individuals that were citing the city's lift on mask restrictions. Remember, these employees are just implementing their company policies.

What I've Been Up To:

• Working to finalize legislation to reduce the criminal justice fines and fees. It will be ready for next meeting.
• Traffic Calming Program - I have received several correspondence regarding speeding. I am working with Public Works to take a deep dive into the traffic patterns in the district to find new alternatives that will adjust the speeding and change traffic habits.
• Lighting - We are working to find dark areas, areas with lights that are out and areas that don't have enough light. The study may take a while to complete, please be patient.
• There is a new Police Commander in North Precinct, Cmdr. Anthony McClain. I will be hosting an outdoor "Meet My Commander" meeting in the coming months. Stay tuned.
• License Plate Readers (LPRs) Survey: I sent you a quick, 4-question survey regarding your thoughts on LPRs last week. Thank you for responding, if you haven't had the chance to complete the survey please do so now. 
  • Click here to take the survey.

What's Happening Tonight

Tonight's meeting should be a relatively short meeting, the agenda is only 28 pages. However, there are a few items I'd like to share with you today...

RS2021-932 - This resolution is to certify the Certified Tax Rate (CTR) for Davidson County. Following the reappraisal, the CTR will be lowered.

BL2021-620 - This is an ordinance that will allow for an overlay tool be created for Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADU). One misconception that I have heard of this bill is that every residential district will have an overlay for DADUs, this is incorrect. This ordinance will only apply this as a tool for a community to apply to allow DADUs. The process will require property owners that want to add this overlay to go through the exact rezoning process each parcel or overlay rezone must go through. This will not be appropriate for all neighborhoods, but is extremely appropriate for others. - I am a Co-Sponsor for this bill.

BL2021-736 - This is the FY22 Budget ordinance. I mentioned it in my last newsletter. Follow this link to see the breakdown of the proposed budget from the mayor.

Dates to remember:

• Thursday, May 20 - Community Meeting discussing two rezoning applications near Clifton Ave and 25th, 26th, and 27th Aves N - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84091369094?pwd=SDJndUNtUnJGSFJOTktrbklCZ0QwZz09
  • Call In Number: +1 312 626 6799
  • Meeting ID: 840 9136 9094
  • Passcode: 705081

Lets Connect:

I invite all District 21 residents to reach out to me directly with any information or concerns in our community. Email is the best form of communication, but invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

Contact information: Email - [email protected] / Phone: 615.946.9700

Best regards,

Brandon