Short Term Rental Bill Deferred, Stones River Bend Park Community Kick-Off and More New Restaurants Coming

Dear Friends –

The Business News section has the most updates this newsletter, but important information is in each section.  As always, don’t hesitate to let me know about things happening in the community to include in subsequent editions.

One of the hottest topics at Council right now is Short Term Rental’s and BL2017-608 is the latest bill to restrict non-owner occupied STRP’s.  The Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 2 was the public hearing for 608 and we were there until about 12:30am hearing passionate opinions from both sides of the issue.  We deferred the bill to wait for possible State action that could limit what we can and can’t do and based on that, there may be potential subsequent amendments to 608, so stay tuned.  I certainly see both sides, but lean towards protecting the character and integrity of neighborhoods.  This whole process has been messy to say the least. 

Enforcement has been a major aspect that is discussed as part of this and no matter what legislation passes or doesn’t, Metro Codes absolutely has to do a better job with enforcement.  There are some good folks that operate non-owner occupied STRP’s without a problem, but there is unfortunately too many bad apples it seems.  I’ve dealt with a few issues but I also know of good folks running successful non-owner STRP’s without issues and can really use the income, so again I see both sides and hope for a pragmatic middle ground that will allow a very limited non-owner occupied STRP presence but also protects a neighborhood’s residential character.

Exciting news from Metro Parks!  They’re finally ready to start the master planning process for our regional park in the bend of Stones River.  Saturday, May 20th will be an opportunity for folks to park at the old Ravenwood Golf Course and take hay rides, go on guided hikes and engage with Parks staff to give input on what you’d like to see become of this 800+ acres.  See flyer below for details and follow their special website here for updates.

I’m honored to be appointed by Mayor Barry to represent Metro Council on the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which provides input to the Mayor’s administration.  I’m very happy to bring a suburban perspective on this group’s efforts to improve pedestrian and bike accessibility.  I have some ideas as far as walkability in our neighborhoods that I’d like to advocate for and welcome any input you have for how we can be a strong and effective voice in this regards.

The Davidson County Election Commission always needs more paid poll workers and has asked Council Members to get the word out.  See flyers below for more information.

The American Red Cross is hosting an upcoming blood drive in our community.  Please join their lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment at one of the two drives below.  I am close to being an 8-gallon donor and proud to support this critical need.  Also, save up to 15 minutes during your donation by completing a RapidPass on the day of the blood drive before your arrival.

Site: Metro Police Hermitage Precinct
Address: 3701 James Kay Lane, Hermitage, TN, 37076
Date: Friday, May 26, 2017
Time: 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Coordinator Name: Brett Crystal
Coordinator Phone Number: 615-308-9059

Click here to make an appointment

Site: Metro Police Hermitage Precinct
Address: 3701 James Kay Lane, Hermitage, TN, 37076
Date: Thursday, Jun 15, 2017
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Coordinator Name: Brett Crystal
Coordinator Phone Number: 615-308-9059

Click here to make an appointment

Thanks to everyone for their kudos on the downtown musician parking initiative I kicked off recently.  Total labor of love project.  I’ve known for a long time this was a growing issue and as I have many friends who are musicians and play downtown, I wanted to try and help.  This is a total non-government and grassroots program and I’m very thankful to Premier Parking CEO Ryan Chapman and his team for being willing to offer this and Dave Pomeroy with the Nashville Musician’s Association for his tireless advocacy and leadership on behalf of musicians.  I hope it helps.  I know others who work downtown such as wait staff, cooks, etc. have asked if they could be part of this.  The challenge we’re addressing is that musicians generally don’t have stable income or employment.  This program helps provide them stability in location and pricing for parking.  They also have gear to load in and out.  So, we’re going to keep this for musicians only ensure it addresses this immediate need.  Thanks to News Channel 5 for doing a story on this as well.

Best,