Dear Neighbors,

 

It's hard to believe a year has passed since I took office, and I want to thank you for the progress we've made together. One of the most important decisions ahead is the transit referendum vote on Election Day (Nov. 5). 

 

We have hosted several opportunities in District 24 to learn more about the details of the Choose How You Move transportation improvement program, which includes 600 smart traffic signals, 86 miles of sidewalks, 24/7/365 transit service, and enhanced street safety.

 

Ahead of casting your ballot, I encourage you to take some time to learn about how this plan is critical to making our district and city more accessible and welcoming for everyone.

 

👉 Transit Talks: Thank you to everyone who came out to the transit talk at Otter Creek Church last week with the Richland West End, Whitland and Sylvan Park Neighborhood Associations. 

 

👉 Why now is the time: Click here to better understand how this plan will reduce traffic congestion, improve commute times, and enhance safety and reliability for everyone moving around our city, whether by car, bike, bus, or on foot. You can also read the entire summary of the plan at nashville.gov/transit. 

 

👉 How it will be funded: The sales tax surcharge will provide over $150 million per year in new local revenue for transportation and unlock up to $1.4 billion in federally matched funding. The majority of the revenue from the sales tax increase will come from tourists and commuters into Davidson County, not residents. The increase for the average household is estimated to be about $6 a month, or $70 a year, while decreasing the burden of transportation costs day in and day out. 

 

Voting "yes" on Nov. 5 will ensure we build a future where everyone can move through our city with greater ease. Together, we can create a more connected and thriving city for all Nashvillians. 

 

In service,  

 

Brenda Gadd  

Councilmember, District 24

Early Voting in Nashville is Oct. 16-31, 2024. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

 

Remember your first time voting? Council members recently helped eligible Hillsboro High School students register to cast their ballots for the first time. 

The site plan for this high-quality commercial and residential development envisioned at the site of the former SteinMart building (currently Spirt of Halloween) on White Bridge Road was approved at the Oct. 1 Metro Council meeting. It will be heard at its third meeting and voted on by the council this evening. There is an amendment to the zoning bill that will require an additional traffic light with optimization and includes documentation of the commitments made. 

 

The specific plan zoning for this 1.14-acre property being sold by First Church of Christ Scientist is being revisited, allowing for multiple redevelopment options. The site currently includes a church, an additional building, and multiple access points from Sharon Hill Circle and Sharondale Court. The current zoning allows for a certain amount of residential use, but meetings will move forward to get input on what neighbors would support.

 

There are no updates on this proposal. The original SP zoning application was filed by the developer in September 2023. There is no movement from the developer on this at this time, but if that changes, I will send out an update.

🚗 The Elmington Avenue traffic calming initiative failed. However, a redesign is in the works and will be shared soon.

 

🚗 Construction on the Crestmoor Intersection Realignment is moving forward, and the final property acquisition is ongoing. NES is moving forward with relocating poles, and other utilities will follow based on the new pole locations.We expect a fuller timeline soon. 

 

🏞️ Join the Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association for The Greater Nashville Litter Cleanup Day on Saturday, Oct. 19 with a cleanup along Richland Creek and the Greenway from 10am-12pm. Volunteers of all ages are welcome—sign up to help keep our community clean!

 

🏞️The Richland Creek Greenway will be closed Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 21-22 for maintenance and repairs. 

 

🌳 The Whitland Area Neighborhood Association is combining two tree programs by Metro Water Services and Cumberland River Compact, leading to the planting of 200+ trees (surpassing their goal of 100) in both right-of-way and private yard areas this fall, with planting beginning in November-December.

 

🌳 A proposal for planting trees along West End Avenue (between Bowling Ave and the fire station) is under discussion, with property owners having the option to opt out. If approved, trees will be planted, maintained, and pruned at no cost to owners.

 

🛤️ The Sylvan Heights Neighborhood Association was awarded a Metro Arts Thrive Grant for a mural on the CSX underpass at 37th Ave North and Sentinel Drive. They're partnering with renowned Nashville muralist Stephen Sloan to bring the project to life. See the design here. 

 

💉 The Metro Nashville Health Department's annual #FightFluNashville Day was today, Oct. 15. Five separate sites across the city offered drive-thru or walk-up flu shot availability free of charge. Click here to learn more about flu shots through the Health Department. 

 

🏈 WeGo bus service will be free on all Titans home game days—not just on the stadium routes for those attending the game—but citywide, regardless of route or destination. Click here for details. 

 

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I joined the community on Oct. 5 for the 20th Anniversary Meet Us at the Bridge, presented by the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).

 

Held on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, we remembered the 191 victims whose lives were lost to domestic violence in Nashville over the past 20 years. It was an honor to receive the Outstanding Government Official Award for the work done over the years, including working with the YWCA of Middle Tennessee's advocacy committee for the legislative adoption of its Shear Haven program, working with the Women's Fund to create model legislation to define and recognize financial abuse as a part of the domestic abuse, past service on the Mary Parrish Center's board, and work on other protective initiatives. 

 

The Metro Council Women's Caucus presented a resolution recognizing the organizations working to end this epidemic. Mayor Freddie O'Connell and NCADV President Tina Fox helped present awards. It was a beautiful morning of renewing our collective resolve to advocate for survivors and honor those we have lost. View the video highlights here. 

 

As we move through October, the Jewish High Holidays remind us of the themes of teshuva (repentance), t'filah (prayer), and tzedakah (charitable giving). Though the holidays have passed, their call to reflect, grow, and support those in need continues. May we carry these values forward and strengthen our community throughout the year. Wishing you a sweet and peaceful new year!

 

I participated in the dedication of Jackie Shane’s historical marker, recognizing her contributions to soul music and LGBTQ heritage. The marker is on Jefferson Street. The event featured powerful performances and speeches from local leaders, including the Mayor and Tennessee's first trans lawmaker, Olivia Hill.

 

I attended a screening of PSAs featuring five Nashville families impacted by roadway crashes, part of the Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Afterward, WPLN’s “This is Nashville” host Khalil Ekulona moderated a panel with Mayor Freddie O’Connell, NDOT Director Diana Alarcon, Music City Dope Pedalers' Nate McDowell, and Walk Bike Nashville's Meredith Montgomery.

 

 

I attended the opening of Airways Plaza (1281 Murfreesboro Pike), which is the new headquarters for the Metro Action Commission (MAC) and the hub for the TechTies digital inclusion program. TechTies, funded by a $1.9 million grant, provides free technology training, devices, and virtual health monitoring to help residents improve digital skills and access essential services. The center, accessible by public transit, aims to expand digital opportunity and break cycles of poverty through tech education, job readiness, and career advancement support.

 

I stood with community members and local dignitaries at the YWCA's annual Stand Against Injustice Rally at the Historic Metro Courthouse to denounce hate in all its forms and focus on healing through unity. Now, more than ever, we must come together to uplift justice, equality, and love.