Good morning, Nashville! It’s Wednesday, October 21. New in Nashville’s neighborhoods: a pivot on “No Right on Red,” vehicle noise complaints, inaccurate mail tracking, a vet investigation, a $544 million vote delayed, and much more.
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Sunny days through at least Tuesday. High: 77, Low: 47.
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🏠 What’s new in Nashville’s neighborhoods
All over Nashville
“No Right on Red” pivot: Metro Council member Sandra Sepulveda withdrew legislation that would’ve banned right turns at red lights in 59 intersections. Instead, she said NDOT agreed to implement the change at 14 intersections within two weeks and “a number of them” in the “upcoming months.” I’ve asked NDOT for a list of intersections that’ll be impacted. Sepulveda said NDOT also agreed to implement safety changes at some intersections with pedestrian safety issues.
$544 million in projects: A new elementary school in Antioch, three new fire stations, funding to make progress toward a new Richland Park library, and money to finish more segments of the Cumberland River and Seven Mile Creek greenways, and more. They’re part of the mayor’s capital spending plan, and last night, the Metro Council delayed (again) moving forward with bonds to pay for it. Among other things, members had questions about funding for a replacement jail on Harding Place. Here’s a full list of projects I shared last month. Council will consider the plan again on November 5. Also, an amendment I told you about yesterday got a negative recommendation in committee. It would’ve moved the new Antioch school’s entrance over traffic concerns.
Downtown
Vehicle noise complaints: “Recently, there has been concern regarding a variety of vehicle noise — street racing, loud mufflers, engine revving, etc.,” Metro Council member Jacob Kupin said. That’s why he’s hosting a community meeting tonight alongside Metro Police, NDOT, and Metro’s Office of Nightlife. “We are determined to find a way to turn down the volume,” Kupin wrote. Tonight’s meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the McKendree United Methodist Church at 523 Church Street.
East Nashville
Vet investigation: After Caudle Veterinary Clinic at 3607 Gallatin Pike suddenly closed following the deaths of two dogs, WTVF says records show one of the vets failed required licensing exams at least 10 times. The station also reports law enforcement is investigating the clinic. I’ve taken two of my dogs there for years, and never noticed anything concerning, but I’ll definitely keep following this.
Midtown
Post office audit: If your package came through the Church Street post office, and the tracking data seemed inaccurate, this might be why. Federal auditors randomly reviewed 30 packages on a morning in July and nearly half (13) were marked as delivered when they weren’t. The auditors also found thousands of pieces of mail that hadn’t been reported as delayed even though they were still sitting in the post office. You can read the full audit here. It says management has “begun taking steps” to address the problems found.
Rivergate
Remnants of the mall: A drone photographer shared this video of the demolition that’s nearly complete at the former Rivergate Mall, and at about 2:10 into the video, what’s left of the food court floor can now be seen outside. I reported last month that the developer expected to finish demolition in November, and the first vertical construction is scheduled to start early next year. Plans include 715 apartments, more than 100 townhomes, a hotel, 130,000 square feet of commercial space, and an affordable housing project for seniors.
Antioch
Improvements to Mill Ridge Park: The Metro Council voted last night to accept a $2 million grant to develop “The Farm at Mill Ridge Park.” Paired with another $2 million from the Joe C. Davis Foundation, Metro said plans include “restoring several historic farm features and renovating The Barn into a flexible indoor nature center that can host classes, community gatherings, farmers’ markets, and special events.”
New restaurant: I found a filing that reveals what’s planned for the former Fat Boys BBQ restaurant at 2733 Murfreesboro Pike. Taqueria y Birrieria El Trompo received a permit to open at this location. I wasn’t able to track down contact information for the owner to figure out when it’ll open.
Madison
Cleaning up Gallatin Pike: Metro Codes told the owners of two properties to address signs that allegedly don’t comply with Metro regulations. An inspector sent a notice to the owner of 1525 Gallatin Pike North for “dilapidated signs.” And just a few doors down at 1553 Gallatin Pike North, the inspector noted “prohibited signs.” In both cases, the inspector reported the issue, but you can also report complaints for your neighborhood at hub.nashville.gov.
Edgehill
Traffic change: Nashville’s Traffic and Parking Commission approved a new multi-way stop at Edgehill Avenue and Villa Place.
South Nashville
A pop star’s visit: Prince’s Hot Chicken said Grammy-winning artist Sam Smith visited its restaurant at 5814 Nolensville Pike. “Thank you, Sam, for stopping by and sharing a little Prince’s history and heat with us!” the restaurant wrote on Instagram. “It was a pleasure having you!”
📰 A few final headlines…
Going international for staffing challenges: Every day, I look at bidding opportunities shared by Metro because they can sometimes give a clue that a project is in the works. This one caught my eye for Metro Schools: the district is looking for a recruiter to hire 25 to 35 international educators each year and potentially 50 teachers in the fifth year of a contract. District spokesperson Sean Braisted tells me, “expanding our recruitment efforts is a practical, forward-looking way to strengthen our workforce, address specialized staffing needs, and bring additional perspectives and experiences into our classrooms.” You can read the full statement here. He says 28 out of more than 5,000 full-time teaching positions are open, but the request mentions “recurring staffing challenges” with certain subjects.
Lawsuit over immigration law: Nashville CARES, a nonprofit that uses federal funding to help care for people with HIV, sued Tennessee for implementing a new rule that requires it to “screen all program beneficiaries for citizenship or immigration status.” The lawsuit alleges the rule “makes the transmission of HIV/AIDS and the development or progression of other serious health conditions substantially more likely.” You can read the full lawsuit here.
New Year’s Eve announcement: Little Big Town, Hardy, The Red Clay Strays, and more will perform at Nashville’s New Year’s Eve show, which will broadcast again on WTVF/CBS. Here’s more from Visit Music City.
🍔 MAP: click here for restaurant inspections across Nashville. And here’s a list version.
Correction, feedback, question? Just reply to this email or email me directly at ryan@nash.news. Talk to you tomorrow! —Ryan