KEEPING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD the WAY it is MEANT to BE.  I have opposed all zoning variances that would change the character of our neighborhood.

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LEADING the DISCUSSION to UPDATE STORMWATER REGULATIONS for infill or current neighborhood development. We are experiencing increased runoff and flooding from new development. Regulations were revised in 2014/5 but that was before the significant increase in home sizes that is increasing impervious surfaces and reducing natural foliage and grades. I was the lead sponsor for the following resolution that had unanimous council support. Currently, Metro is hiring a consultant that will provide best practices and long-term solutions to our ongoing stormwater issues. 

• Click and read about Legislation RS2022-1757. 

• A discussion on the impact in our neighborhood / Channel 5 News Report 
– Click and watch.


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ESTABLISHED the FRIENDS of WEST MEADE HILLS chaired by Susan Castle and Willi Honneger. The group provides a proactive approach for our neighborhood conservation. We need to work on preserving our backyard, conserving trees, and the land between West Meade and Bellevue that includes some of the oldest forests in Nashville. This is the last leg of Radnor to River within the Tennessee Green project. 

• 
Read all about it: Radnor To River

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INCREASED PRESERVATION of OUR TREE CANOPY. Our old-growth trees are the jewels of our neighborhood and city. I get calls regularly from neighbors concerned about developers cutting trees down on nearby lots. On occasion, I have been able to meet with developers and dissuade them from cutting trees, but we need a more comprehensive plan to protect our old growth. As a start, I have: 


• CO-SPONSORED BL2022-1122 which passed. 
CLICK and read

• CO-SPONSORED BL2022-1409 currently under review. 
CLICK and read.

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CREATED a DISTRICT 23 BEAUTIFICATION COMMITTEE chaired by Patricia Knight and Andrea Pruijssers. The first event was a seed and tree exchange on 11/5 and there is a long list of plans to come. We have the opportunity to enhance the natural beauty of our district. Click and see.

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IMPROVING the SAFETY in OUR NEIGHBORHOOD  with focuses such as the 100/70 split. We started a process with NDOT and have made some safety improvements while continuing to bring the intersection to the focus of TDOT. Additionally, I have invited input from local businesses on their experiences with the traffic split. I have succeeded in adding some enhanced warning signage on Harding and worked to control builder-related traffic issues on our neighborhood streets. There is more to be done. 

• Click and read Community Leaders discuss fixing 70/100 split.

• Click and read State, local leaders to discuss future of West Meade intersection.


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SIDEWALKS – Prioritized the Davidson Rd sidewalk and expanded the Vaughn’s Gap sidewalk from Harding to 100. A sidewalk is under construction that will run on Davidson from HG Hill Middle to Harding Road. A sidewalk has been approved for Vaughn’s Gap Rd from Harding to 100 that will connect to the entrance of Percy Warner Park. I continue to advocate for more sidewalks in our district.

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NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY – Developed and supported the District 23 Safety Committee chaired by Lauren Balmer, Rachel Kaiser, and Tom Wright. We are neighbors and I want to foster neighborhood spirit. Toward that goal, we have begun to identify traffic and public safety projects until traffic calming projects can be approved. They are off to a great start. 

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DEVELOPED the HOLIDAY LIGHTS for HOPE EVENT with a great committee: Tom Wright, Carole Raley, Wayne Underhill, Jena Armistead, Lauren Balmer, Joel DeSantis and Matt Lascara. It is now in its 3rd year. The event is more than just awards for light displays. Funds are raised to support the Nashville Rescue Mission. We have Santa Clause on a firetruck escorted by the Belle Meade police officers who donate their time to support this cause; they even supply the Grinch. 

• You gotta see this.


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SUPPORTED the HARMONY WILDLIFE REFUGE now in the hills of West Meade. It is recognized by Tennessee State as a Wildlife Refuge and Rehab Center. Stasia Kudrez has shown her passion for our animal friends and is a great resource for our neighborhood as we find animals that need help. 

• Click and see Harmony Wildlife.

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DEVELOPED STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS for the HOMELESS and the ENCAMPMENTS. 
The Brookmeade homeless encampment was a situation right in our backyard where we saw the problem of people living outdoors, in public space, in terrible conditions. Crime and drug use and distribution were major problems for the homeless and for those who live and work nearby. The encampment of at least 16 years was growing, as was homelessness across the city. Our public park was unusable.
 

• We needed a long-term solution.

  I worked closely with knowledgeable nonprofits, including Reclaim Brookemeade; former homeless; consultants; and stakeholders to identify and form possible solutions.

• With the leadership of Cathy Jennings of the Contributor and the knowledge combined at many meetings, a Foundation Guide for the City of Nashville/Davidson County Outdoor Homeless Strategy was created and a fund of $50 million was allocated to support the strategy.

• Closer to home, the results of the strategy have been implemented. The Brookemeade encampment has been closed. The residents have been offered housing and the wrap-around services they need. Brookemeade Park has been secured and is being returned to the community.

  • What did WSMV 4 say about it? Click and watch.​

• I chair the Human Services Committee and Homeless Oversight Committee and will continue to work to make sure the $50M in resources is used for the intended support.

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APPROVED the NEW DEPARTMENT of HOMELESS IMPACT. Needed a stronger focus working directly on the homeless problem. Click and read about Legislation BL2021-971 authorizing the Department of Homeless Impact.
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HOW the $50 M WORKS: Nashville approves $50M in one-time federal funds for homelessness. Click and read.
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WEIGHING on the CONCERNS of OUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Metro council member says mayor has all the resources to house everyone at Brookmeade Park. Click and read.
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BROOKEMEADE ENCAMPMENT CLOSED based on housing first solutions using $50M to solve problems and improving lives of the homeless. Click and read. 
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ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT with STRATEGIC PLAN for DAVIDSON COUNTY OUTDOOR HOMELESS STRATEGY