There is a Metro Council Meeting at 6:30 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].

Right Turns on Red

Legislation has been proposed that would limit right turns on red at some intersections across Nashville. The goal is to make our streets safer by reducing conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Many Nashvillians are supportive of efforts to improve safety, especially in areas with more foot traffic. Others have questions about how this could affect daily commutes and traffic flow.

As Nashville continues to grow, we have to keep looking at ways to make our roads safer while also making sure transportation decisions work for the people who use them every day. I will continue to keep you informed.

Data Center Update

During our last meeting, the Council passed legislation that establishes a clear framework for evaluating future data center developments. We also adopted a temporary moratorium on new data center applications while the planning department completes a broader review of infrastructure, utility capacity, environmental impacts, and neighborhood compatibility. 

These actions are intended to ensure that future proposals are evaluated thoughtfully, balancing economic opportunity with the long-term needs of our residents and communities. I will continue to monitor this work and keep District 21 informed as additional recommendations come before the Council. With the passage of these items, there will be more conversation and possibly an opportunity to revisit this framework. The council body presented 15 amendments, many of which would require a referral back to the planning commission, potentially slowing the passage of the legislation. 

I'll keep you posted when the topic is back on our dockets.

Fisk Data Center

As I mentioned in my last note, Fisk was awaiting the Council's decision regarding Data Centers before we chat with them again. I've briefly chatted, but we haven't had a chance to schedule a formal meeting. Once I follow up with Fisk, I will share their thoughts and how we will work with them to engage the community regarding a Data Center on their campus. I do know that they are planning to move forward with the other portions of their master plan, which includes updating and renovating current buildings, adding a new dormitory, and managing several deferred maintenance projects. 

Stay Tuned...

Zoo Property & Data Center Update:

One of the most closely watched issues at Metro remains the proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo. In June, the mayor introduced legislation authorizing Metro to pursue the acquisition of approximately 23.5 acres adjacent to the zoo through eminent domain, citing potential future public use and concerns raised about the proposed development. Since then, the property has been purchased by the data center developer, meaning any acquisition would now occur through the condemnation process if Metro moves forward.

This remains a hot-button topic, and we'll be discussing this tonight. I'm concerned about using this tool for this issue. My concern is not just about this one property. My concern is the precedent we set. Once government becomes more willing to use eminent domain outside of traditional public infrastructure projects, future administrations could rely on that decision in ways we can't predict.

Nashville’s history reminds us why we need to be thoughtful about these decisions. When I-40 was built through North Nashville in the 1960s, hundreds of families were displaced, and approximately 128 Black-owned businesses along the Jefferson Street corridor were lost. Jefferson Street was a thriving center of Black business, music, and culture, and the impact of that decision is still felt today.

This was also part of a larger pattern across the country. From the 1950s through the 1970s, government used eminent domain and urban renewal programs in many cities to acquire land in Black neighborhoods for highways, redevelopment, public housing, and other projects. Too often, those decisions disrupted communities that had fewer resources and less political power to fight back.

I also have concerns about the financial impact. If Metro moves forward with acquiring this property, taxpayers will ultimately be responsible for the cost. This will not be a free acquisition, and the final price could be significant. We recently passed a budget that balances many important priorities, including public safety, infrastructure, schools, and affordable housing. This purchase was not included in that budget.

These are important questions we need to consider carefully. The decisions we make today will shape Nashville for years to come, and we have a responsibility to think about both the immediate impact and the precedent we set for the future.

What I've been up to:

• Toddler P has increased his vocabulary... He said to me the other ...well, actually DaDa.... I was like, "Actually," and then I was like, "How are you going to tell me I'm wrong?"
• There are two BZA Projects in the District... The council does not have a say about these projects; they go through the BZA, but they are having community meetings.
  • The former Piggly Wiggly on West End -- Meeting is at Vibes on August 11 at 4:00 pm
  • The former Bud's Hardware on Buchanan -- Meeting is at Crossroads HQ on August 11 at 6:00 pm
• Ted Rhodes -- We are working to update the course and clubhouse. I can't wait to see how this turns out!
• Codes -- Trash, Building, Etc. -- I'm receiving your correspondence, and I'm working with Codes or the appropriate department to address it. I'm working closely with Codes and MNPD on a few high-priority areas.

What's Happening Tonight:  

BL2026 - 1497 - An Ordinance to amend Chapter 12.12 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws relative to right turns on red within the Urban Services District and reporting requirements regarding roadway safety - No Turn on Red.

BL2026 - 1482 - An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, by applying a Historic Landmark Overlay District to property located at 3411 Albion Street, at the corner of 35th Avenue North and Albion Street

BL2026 - 1496 - An ordinance amending Chapter 13.24 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to authorize the Parthenon to accept short-term loans of artwork and artifacts.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Old Piggly Wiggly on West End
  • BZA Proposal - Height
  • Date: Tuesday, August 11
  • Time: 4:00 pm
  • Location: Vibes Bar & Lounge - 114 28th Ave N (Near Centennial Park)
• Former Bud's Hardware and Neighboring Property
  • BZA Proposal - Height and Setbacks
  • Date: Tuesday, August 11
  • Time: 6:00 pm
  • Location: Crossroads Campus HQ - 1757 16th Ave N

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 I invite you to call me as well. My contact information is below.

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

Best regards,

Brandon