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].

Celebrate Black History!

We Are North Nashville is a podcast that delves into the rich history and enduring spirit of North Nashville through the voices of its community elders. Led by artist and community organizer M. Simone Boyd (District 21 Neighbor), along with producers Andrea Tudhope and Steve Haruch, the podcast brings to light stories that have often gone untold. The inaugural season, released in 2024, features conversations with nine influential community figures: Rev. Dr. Margreat Smithson (District 21 Neighbor), Barbara Jean Watson, Dr. Patricia Streator Jackson, Thomas Wilson (District 21 Neighbor), Cheryl McReynolds (District 21 Neighbor), Leitha Carter, Melvin Gill (District 21 Neighbor), Larry Turnley Sr., and Larry Turnley Jr. (District 21 Neighbor), all of whom have shaped the neighborhood through advocacy, perseverance, and joy. Through this program, listeners gain valuable insight into the challenges faced by North Nashville, from racialized terrorism to the disruptive effects of infrastructure projects, all while celebrating the wisdom and resilience of its residents. We Are North Nashville offers an important platform for both reflection and future inspiration.

Click the logo to listen...

Jefferson St. Cap/Connectivity Engagement

On Friday, I met with representatives from the Mayor's Office, NDOT, and Metro Planning to discuss the Jefferson Street Cap/Connectivity project, first introduced by the Cooper administration in 2021. The project has generated a great deal of community discussion and concern, leading to its pause as residents voiced the need for more conversation, education, and, most importantly, more community input.

Several key questions arose during the meeting, including what an “interstate cap” is, where it would be installed, the timeline for completion, and whether property would need to be acquired for the project. There were also inquiries about the types of developments that could be included on the cap, such as affordable housing, grocery stores, or even a brick-and-mortar incubation center for minority-owned businesses.

Unfortunately, many of these questions went unanswered or were met with insufficient responses, leaving neighbors feeling uncertain about the project’s direction.

In response to this feedback, NDOT and Planning launched a renewed effort in late 2023 to involve the community in shaping the future of this project. A consulting firm was selected in mid-2024 to guide this process. Moving forward, our focus is on ensuring the voices of the Jefferson Street community are at the center of the planning process. In the coming weeks, I will be sharing details about public workshops designed to engage neighbors, businesses, and local institutions—such as universities, places of worship, hospitals, and community partners—in a deeper discussion about how to improve multi-modal transportation, connectivity, and beautification along Jefferson Street.

What I've Been Up To:

• Toddler P still has a few sinus issues, well we all do... but that hasn't stopped us. Toddler P has had a great few days. He hung out with his granny on Saturday while Mom and I snuck off for a little shopping. He also had a really hype Valentine's Day Party at his daycare. Afterward, we kept the party going, met up with the guys at our local watering hole, slammed some Apple Juice, and ate some "hot hot" fries! - When food is hot, he looks at us and says "hot hot" and then continues to cram it in his mouth all while saying... "HOT HOT"!! 
• Centennial Park Community Town Hall will be held this Thursday, February 20 at Metro Parks Boardroom
  • Vibez 2 Lounge, is new and is opening near Centennial Park soon, the owner will be there to introduce himself
  • NDOT will join us to discuss upcoming and current projects along 31st Ave N
  • and Cmdr. Sean Richmond of the Midtown Hills Police Precinct will join us for an introduction and share what they are working on to curb the uptick in crime
• The meeting regarding the 900 Block of Buchanan will be moved to March 11 and will be held at Crossroads at Buchanan and 16th Ave N - More information to come
• Jefferson St Project - I've shared my update above
• The paving projects conversation is coming along nicely - We hope to see several roads and alleys paved in the upcoming paving season
• Traffic Calming in the Hadley Park/TSU area set to start in the Spring

What's Happening Tonight:  

The Metro Council is governed by the rules of procedure for our meetings, click here to review the Metro Council Rules. On tonight's agenda, you will see three rule changes that have been filed. 

Rule 12 -This proposed rule amendment would amend Rule 12 of the Council Rules of Procedure, which provides rules regarding honorary resolutions and presentations. The proposed rule amendment would remove the authorization to file resolutions concerning honorary, memorializing, or congratulatory matters for Council consideration. Rather, honorary, memorializing, or congratulatory matters could only be recognized by proclamation. The Council could still file other nonbinding resolutions, such as requests of departments.

Rule 53.2 -This proposed rule amendment would amend Rule 53.2 of the Council Rules of Procedure. Rule 53 governs the adoption of the Council Rules of Procedure and amendments to these Rules. Rule 53.2 provides that an amendment to the Rules become effective 30 days after its passage and further requires proposed amendments to be considered by the Council’s Rules Committee.

Rule 40.1 - This proposed rule amendment amends Rule 40 of the Council Rules of Procedure regarding the Consent Agenda. The current Council Rule 40.1 provides that a committee report must be given for all resolutions and ordinances on the consent agenda receiving a unanimous recommendation of approval. This report is given by each committee chair or their designee. The proposed amendment to Council Rule 40.1 would remove the requirement for the committee report to be given for resolutions and ordinances on the consent agenda.

BL2025-690 - An ordinance amending Section 13.08.080 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to pertaining to the use of a community safety camera network.

BL2025-742 - An Ordinance amending Chapter 2.128 of the Metropolitan Code pertaining to the Metropolitan Historical Commission and the Metropolitan Historic Zoning Commission.

BL2024-684 - 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 changing from RS5 to R6-A zoning for property located at 2801 Delaware Avenue, at the southwest corner of Delaware Avenue and 28th Avenue N

Dates to remember:

• Centennial Park Town Hall Meeting
  • Vibes 2 Lounge Owner will join us to introduce himself
  • NDOT to discuss current and future projects along 31st Ave N
  • Cmdr. Sean Richmond will visit - Midtown Hills Police Precinct 
    • Thursday, February 20
    • Metro Parks Board Room - 2565 Park Plaza.
    • 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
• Proposed Development at 9th Ave N and Buchanan St
  • Tuesday, March 11
  • Crossroads Campus - 1757 16th Ave N
  • 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

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