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. You can reach me at [email protected].

** There has been an interruption of your Metro Water service on Acklen Park Drive and the Long Blvd Area... Metro Water is out now restoring service to those affected. it may take about 8 - 12 hours to repair the water lines.**

This is our last Council Meeting of 2020 - This year has been a sprinting marathon! It had its fair share of challenges thrown our way, and we have persisted and overcome many of these challenges. When I look back on this year, I am reminded of the character and resolve our District has. I recall individuals across this entire District coming to the rescue of those in need during the Tornado in March and I still see neighbors delivering food and resources to those that faced even more challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you all for your willingness to work through such a historic year, and I am excited to keep working alongside you for the upcoming year. 

Multimodal Transit (RS2020-656)

There has been much conversation regarding the latest version of the Mayor's Office Metro Transit plan. We are voting on a resolution asking for an endorsement from the Metro Council. The current plan was introduced to the Council just a week or so ago, and I want to share some thoughts with you and share the 348-page plan with you as well.

- This resolution will not require any money now - It is memorializing, non-binding and before it is all finalized, it will be amended to fit your needs if passed tonight. 

When we think of public transit, we think of buses, trains, light rails, etc., correct? Well over the past several years, Nashville has been in need of a Multimodal Transit Plan. Multimodal includes your buses, trains, and light rails, but it also takes into consideration your crosswalks, sidewalks, paving, traffic calming, scooters, bikes and bike lanes, street signage, stop light frequency and connectivity. The city council is working with the mayor's office to create a transit plan that meets the needs of all residents. The current plan has the potential to be a great plan for District 21. There is much attention to Clarksville Highway, where we are in the infancy stages of building a transit hub at the corner of Clarksville Highway and 26th Ave N. The plan has a few areas that are supposed to address serious traffic calming needs. It's mentioned that 31st Ave N will receive a half-mile sidewalk upgrade and additions.  One of my main concerns is the lack of attention to Charlotte Ave and West End Ave along with endorsing a plan that needs a dedicated funding source. Ms. Faye DiMassimo, Sr. Advisor for Transportation and Infrastructure, says that she believes that the city will receive federal funding for the plan if endorsed by Council. There are three amendments to the current plan that will answer some of my questions and these amendments force the plan to come back to the Metro Council several times before the enactment of any filed ordinances that will make this plan law. If you recall, transit was one of the areas in my first email to you that I mentioned will be an everchanging and continuous conversation. I will continue to update you on the ongoing movements regarding transit. Please share your thoughts, it helps me make the best decision for our district.

Make a COVID-19 Plan

We are in the Holiday season and we'll all want to get together and gather. I'm planning to get a Covid test at one of the city's many testing facilities prior to spending time with family. Also, my plan includes quarantining, once I received a negative test result before I gather with my loved ones. If you haven't made a plan, I recommend you think of a plan that will mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Let's work together for a safe holiday season, so we can watch King Henry in person in the Superbowl!

Click here to review testing information, days, sites, and hours and plan a day to get your test completed.

What I've Been Up To:

• In my last email, I mentioned my work on illegal dumping... Tomorrow you may see me in your alley with the Public Works Director for a tour to simply explain the need for paving, lighting, and illegal dumping mitigation.
• The McGruder Family Resource Center was awarded $2.1 Million for renovations in 2016 but was not added to the city's capital spending plan. I've worked with the mayor to have them fund this project now and we have started conversations with the construction company to move forward.
• I heard from many of you regarding TDOT - For clarity, TDOT does not have any control over streets and sidewalks or any infrastructure that is the property of Nashville/Davidson County, the city manages those items - This has not been moved forward, however, I am planning to have a community meeting to help you learn more and ask any questions you have. This will then help us make the best decision moving forward.
• Shotspotter is a technology that will communicate directly with MNPD if shots are fired. They will be immediately dispatched to the area of the alleged shots - In 2016 Shotspotter was first introduced to our community, I've reengaged the mayor's office in conversations regarding Shotspotter, I spoke with Mayor Cooper yesterday regarding Shotspotter and we will be having conversations with you at the beginning of the year.
• Rest, Relax, and Refresh - Beginning next week, I will begin my Christmas/New Year's vacation. I will have limited access to my phone and email. 2020 has been a challenging year for us all. With the needs of our community, I have not had the chance to connect with my family throughout the year... I will be in line to get a COVID test this week and will begin my quarantine. Once I receive my negative results, I'm going to take this time to close the year out with my family and recharge so I can continue to serve you in 2021! Thank you District 21 for all!

What to expect tonight:

We are not meeting in person, so this may be a very long night. We have several confirmations for commissions.

BL2020-300 - This ordinance will restrict construction noise and time of construction within residential areas.

BL2020-532 - This is zoning legislation in our district that will remove a PUD - to allow for residential construction in West Nashville.

BL2020-456- Requires landlords to provide notice to tenants prior to termination of tenancy and non-renewal of a lease.

We are also discussing how we will be spending the final amount of CARES ACT funding.

Lastly, there have been conversations about filing legislation for License Plate Readers (LRPs) to help combat crime - Please share your thoughts with me regarding LRPs. 

Dates to remember:

• All in-person meetings (large/small groups or one-on-one) that I have scheduled are postponed in light of the increasing COVID-19 concerns and will not be rescheduled until further notice. 

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