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Mayor Barry's Fall Clean Up

Donelson Neighborhood News – September 2016

Written by Jeff Syracuse on . Posted in Donelson Neighborhood News, News.

The main update for the Neighborhood News section directly relates to the changes happening at the Public Works department.  Mark Macy served as the Interim Director of Public Works for a couple of years.  He is a talented engineer and also served as the Chief Engineer of the department.  He recently stepped down from his Interim Director position in order to return his focus on the many important responsibilities of being the Chief Engineer.  Mayor Barry appointed her Director of Infrastructure, Mark Sturtevant, as the new Interim Director of Public Works.  The Mayor directed Mark Sturtevant to perform a top to bottom review of the department and how we can address the increasing needs our communities all across Davidson County are experiencing as we continue to experience rapid growth.  The NashvilleNext plan called for looking into creating a local Department of Transportation so that we can begin to focus on how we will build a much needed improved transportation infrastructure.  Mark is working hard on creating efficiencies at the department in the short term and also planning for what the future structure of the department will be.

What does that mean for our neighborhoods?  Two things that I am focused on have experienced delays because of these changes and I am working hard to support the good people at Public Works as these changes occur and we create an improved 21st century Public Works department.

The first is sidewalks.  Mayor Barry signed an Executive Order updating our efforts to create “complete streets”.  This means everything from the design to ensure NES poles and other elements are not anywhere near the actual sidewalk by increasing the width of the separating grass strip to ensuring the width of the actual sidewalk will be wide enough to accommodate future growth for pedestrian safety and accessibility to transit options.  I am focused on moving the south side Lebanon Pike sidewalk from Bluefield Avenue to Graylynn Drive forward, as well as the Fairway Drive sidewalk project connecting Stanford Montessori to the current Donelson Library, which will improve the crosswalk across Lebanon Pike.

The second is implementing Traffic Calming measures in our neighborhoods.  The current program is managed by a contractor for Public Works, who works very hard and has a very overflowing plate.  I hope to move the Donelson Hills traffic calming elements forward, begin on Lincoya Hills, Maplecrest and move on to other neighborhoods as well.  Ever since being elected, I have heard from many of you who experience major challenges with speeding and do not feel safe walking their streets at all.  I realize that I will not likely be able to get sidewalks inside our residential neighborhoods during my time as our Council Member, but I am focused on doing what I can to improve the situation.

Saturday, October 1st will be Mayor Barry’s Fall Green & Clean event.  Neighborhoods are encouraged to organize to clean up, spruce up and beautify our communities.  Our District 15 Beautification Commissioner Naomi Regensburg has been working to organize this day in Donelson.  See flyer below for details and to be part of the effort.

Mayor Barry's Fall Clean Up

Author

  • Jeff Syracuse

    Jeff has called Nashville home since 1998, moving here to complete his music degree at Middle Tennessee State University. He went on to complete his MBA in Technology Management from the Nashville campus of University of Phoenix, located in Donelson. Jeff was a first-time homebuyer in Donelson Hills in 2002 and soon became involved in his neighborhood and community.Jeff was born in Buffalo, New York. Jeff’s Dad retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel while stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia after serving 20 years of Active and more than 11 years of Reserve service in Buffalo, NY, St Louis, MO and Atlanta, GA. Jeff’s parents are happily retired in Marietta, GA and enjoy the  warmer weather. His dad was President of the Georgia Department of the Reserve Officer’s Association and both he and his Mom stay involved in their neighborhood, civic organizations, and church. Jeff has one son, Joey, who attends Meigs Middle Magnet School.Jeff has been very active in the Donelson community for over a decade and has a deep appreciation and understanding of its rich history and a strong vision for a bright future.

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Donelson Neighborhood News September 2016, Jeff Syracuse, Jeff Syracuse, Metro Council District 15, Metro Council District 15

Jeff Syracuse

Jeff has called Nashville home since 1998, moving here to complete his music degree at Middle Tennessee State University. He went on to complete his MBA in Technology Management from the Nashville campus of University of Phoenix, located in Donelson. Jeff was a first-time homebuyer in Donelson Hills in 2002 and soon became involved in his neighborhood and community.Jeff was born in Buffalo, New York. Jeff’s Dad retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel while stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia after serving 20 years of Active and more than 11 years of Reserve service in Buffalo, NY, St Louis, MO and Atlanta, GA. Jeff’s parents are happily retired in Marietta, GA and enjoy the  warmer weather. His dad was President of the Georgia Department of the Reserve Officer’s Association and both he and his Mom stay involved in their neighborhood, civic organizations, and church. Jeff has one son, Joey, who attends Meigs Middle Magnet School.Jeff has been very active in the Donelson community for over a decade and has a deep appreciation and understanding of its rich history and a strong vision for a bright future.