Council Update

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Allen, Burkley (Council Member)

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Nov 4, 2025, 8:36:37 AMNov 4
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METRO COUNCIL UPDATE
November 2025
 
EVENTS
 
 
A Special Election for the District 7 Congressional Seat vacated by Mark Green will take place December 2.  The 7th congressional district covers the northwest portion of Davidson County, the eastern part of Williamson County, and twelve other counties.  See the maps below. Candidates  include Aftyn Behn and Matt Van Epps and four independents.  There should be multiple opportunities to get to know the candidates.  Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH) is hosting  a Candidates Forum on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 3–5 PM at Scarritt Bennett Center https://bit.ly/CD7Power .  Early voting runs November 12-26.  A sample ballot can be downloaded at https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2025-10/Sample_Ballot_Dec_2_2025_D7_Special_General.pdf?ct=1760709670 Everyone’s vote matters!  If this is your district, please make the effort to vote.  On Election Day voters need to go to their specific voting precinct, which may have changed since the last election.  Confirm voting precincts at https://maps.nashville.gov/pollingplacefinder/
 
 
The first bill, BL2025-1005 creates two new types of zoning districts, RN and RL, which would allow low-rise, moderate density residential housing like quadplexes, cottage courts, and townhomes with specific design guidelines.  The picture below shows an example of an existing neighborhood-scaled apartment buildings in a historic neighborhood.  The new districts include design guidelines on form, height, orientation, and site layout to ensure that new buildings fit in and don’t change the character of the neighborhood. These zoning types would not initially be applied anywhere, but neighborhoods or property owners could later work with council members to apply for zoning changes in areas where they might be appropriate, like along major streets and near commercial centers. 
 
BL2025-1006 lowers the maximum height of homes in R and RS districts, where duplex and single family homes are allowed.  The maximum would be reduced from 45 feet to 35 feet and from 3 stories to 2 ½ stories, which seems likely to reduce teardowns to build something massive where a starter home had been.   It also eliminates some very confusing language about where duplexes can be built in R zoning, and eliminates the limit of 25% of properties in certain subdivisions.   I’d like to see this limit discussed more before it is removed, since there is some value in a mix of housing types in a given area.  I’ve submitted an amendment to get that discussion going.
The DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit – mother-in-law cottages) overlay process would be simplified in BL2025-1007 to expand where small mother-in-law cottages could be added as a secondary unit.  The allowed living area would be increased from 700 square feet to 850 square feet.  There is also an amendment to keep the size as it is now.
These bills were deferred to allow for community engagement. I attended three of the five multi-district community meetings.  All were well attended and indicated that there are still many questions about the details and applications of these bills.  This whole process will continue to proceed slowly in small steps with many opportunities for public input along the way.    More information is at  Engage Nashville - Housing and Infrastructure.  https://engage.nashville.gov/housingandinfrastructure?ref=thebuildersdaily.com#tab-67675
Further review of planned infrastructure improvements is underway in coordination with the following plans: Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Master Plans by Metro Water Services; Multimodal Mobility Master Plan by Nashville Department of Transportation, WeGo, and Nashville Planning Department; and Regional Transportation Plan by Greater Nashville Regional Council.  These studies are scheduled to be completed before new zoning districts would applied anywhere so that the infrastructure and other comprehensive implications can be taken into account in those deliberations.
Planning is also creating a voluntary attainable housing program through BL2025-1008 that will specifically set aside 10% of the units for workforce housing for eligible projects in exchange for a 2 floor height increase. This would be an option only in the new RL zoning district when it is eventually applied anywhere.  This housing program was enabled by recent state legislation.  I’m lead sponsor on this bill and already have many co-sponsors.  This bill will track with the others to allow more time for education and discussion.
 
The Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) and the Riverside Village commercial district in East Nashville have partnered to create ‘Multimodal Mondays,’ a pilot program that encourages Nashvillians to use more sustainable modes of transportation.  Every Monday in November, businesses in Riverside Village will offer special discounts to customers who travel to their establishment by walking, biking, taking the bus, or riding an e-scooter.  To sign up for the program, community members may register on Nashville Connector's Commute Tracking App, https://nashconnector.org/multimodal-mondays/ select ‘Challenges’, and join ‘Multimodal Mondays.’ On the app, Nashvillians can log their sustainable trips and show a participating business to claim their discount. Discounts are valid for Mondays only, and one offer is available per person each week.  The following businesses are participating in the ‘Multimodal Mondays’ Program:

  • Village Pub
  • Hattie Jane's Ice Cream 
  • Curry Boys
  • Hannah Ellis
  • Bite-A-Bit
  • Dose
  • LadyBird Taco
  • Tennessee Cobler Co.
  • The Modern Dog
  • Riverside Village Pharmacy
  • Sabell’s


For more information on the program and details on the discounts offered, visit the Nashville Connector webpage. 
There is one more opportunity for history buffs to participate in the Ann Roberts Lecture Series on Nashville's  Mid Century Architecture. In recognition of Ann Roberts’ 12 years of leadership of the Nashville Historical Foundation (formerly the Metro Historical Commission Foundation), and the critical importance of modern architectural design in the decades following the Second World War, the Nashville Historical Foundation is presenting a series of lectures given by members of the board on the topic of modernism and how it was manifested in Nashville.  Participants  will need to register using the link below.  The final lecture will be held November 6 at 4:30 at the Fort Negley Visitors Center, 1100 Fort Negley .
Examples of Nashville Modernism in Photographs – by Sandra Shelton 
 
Now that Halloween is over, almost every house has a jack-o-lantern that has done its job.  Instead of throwing it in the trash, neighbors can make that pumpkin do one more useful thing.  Composting ensures this season’s pumpkins and decorative gourds don’t end up in a landfill; instead they can become fertilizer for next year’s pumpkins.  The institute for Local Self Reliance has a quick video on its website with helpful suggestions at https://ilsr.org/smashing-composting-pumpkins/
 
 
Trash Routes will be on a holiday schedule the weeks of Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving.  Pick-ups will be shifted one day for the rest of the week after the holiday.
Brush Pick-Up
  • Area 12  - Goodlettsville, Dalemere, Bellshire begins November 3
  • Area 1 - West Madison, Capital View, Douglas Park, Cleveland Park, McFerrin Park, Highland Heights) begins November 7
  • Area 2 (East Madison, Inglewood, Neely’s Bend, Peeler Park, Maplewood Heights, Iverson, Maxwell Heights, Edgefield, Eastwood, Shelby Bottoms, Shelby Hills, and Lockland Springs) begins November 14
  • Area 3 (Old Hickory, Lakewood, Hermitage, Stones River, Two Rivers, River Trace) November 25
 
November 15 is America Recycles Day.  Organized by Keep America Beautiful, this day a nationally recognized day that’s all about recycling! It’s a time to learn, get inspired, and take action. Whether at home, school, or work, we can all pitch in to recycle more and waste less.
From plastic bottles and aluminum cans to paper and electronics – recycling helps keep tons of materials out of landfills, saves natural resources, and reduces pollution.  As our options for disposing of waste cheaply dwindle, it is time to reduce what we throw away.  The calendar below shows how many ways we can reduce waste.  For more information check out the Keep America Beautiful website https://kab.org/our-signature-programs/america-recycles-day/ and the Metro Waste Services website https://www.nashville.gov/departments/waste-services .
 
 
Fall brings a special set of challenges to Metro’s storm water system.  Keeping leaves and debris out of the street can go a long way to keeping the system functioning well.  In the older parts of Nashville, the storm sewer and sanitary sewer were built in the early 1900’s as a combined system.  Leaves that get into the system make their way to the sewage treatment plant and add a lot of unnecessary load to what has to be treated and disposed of.  In other parts of the city everything in the storm drain goes straight to the river including leaves, sticks and trash.  Residents and landscape companies should never blow leaves into the street.  Metro will pick leaves up if they are bagged in compostable bags, which can be bought at most hardware stores.  It is also important to keep storm drains near homes free of sticks, leaves, and trash to keep waterways clean and help prevent street flooding during heavy rains. Neighbors are asked to remove debris or report clogged drains at hub.nashville.gov.  Metro Water has a street sweeping program to keep sticks and leaves out of the stormwater system.  The Street Sweeping Schedule is published at the first of each month on Metro’s Open Data https://data.nashville.gov/datasets/af57006f52e0459793289c205ad6e1c1_0/explore.  Residents can filter by street to find out when each block will be swept so cars can be moved out of the way.  Moving cars off the street on sweeping day will help Metro Water Services get debris and leaves off the street before they end up in the storm sewer system and clog it up. 
 
Property Tax bills have been mailed out. The packet includes a lot of information, including how to access tax relief and tax freeze programs for qualified elderly, disabled, and veteran property owners.  Information about income qualifications and applications for these programs are at www.nashville.gov/trustee .  There is also information on how tax dollars are spent, how landlords can pay their annual registration fee, and what the general property standards requirements are.  Property tax payments can be made in installments with full payment due February 28, 2026. 
 
Nashville Tree Foundation will announce the winners of the Big Old Tree Contest at its annual BOTC Awards and Celebration on November 5 at 10 am at Ellington Agricultural Center.  There were over 130 nominations of recognition-worthy trees.  Categories include Biggest Overall, Biggest Schoolyard Tree, Story Tree, and Unique Tree.  Attendance is free, but registration is appreciated. 
 
The Full Belly Race is a fun, competitive event supporting Shelby Park and Bottoms, while raising funds for local Scout Troop 3 and helping neighbors in need during the holiday season. Join us the Saturday after Thanksgiving for a timed 5K race or an all-ages Fun Run (or walk) around scenic Lake Sevier. With every race registration, Friends of Shelby will be collecting donations and essential items for the Martha O'Bryan food bank.
 
 
Full Belly Fun Run - November 29, 8:30 am
 
Full Belly 5K - November 29, 9:00 am
 
 
Metro Parks is again asking for help in finding the perfect tree to serve as the centerpiece for the city’s holiday celebration.  Metro Parks’ Horticulturist Randall Lantz said the Parks Department is looking for a 30 to 40-foot-tall Norway Spruce that looks good from all angles. Metro is looking for a tree that has grown too big for its current location or needs removal. The tree should be a Norway Spruce which has the same shape that we see in children’s books about Christmas.  Metro Parks has been providing a tree for the holiday celebrations in downtown Nashville for over thirty years. The tree is anchored at Public Square Park and is decked with thousands of multi-colored LED lights.  The Parks’ Department will carefully cut down the tree, grind out the stump, and plant a replacement tree if desired. Anyone with a tree that meets the criteria should call Randall Lantz at 615-862-8400 or email him at Randal...@nashville.gov.  Look for more information in December about the tree lighting and the Menorah lighting ceremonies.
 
ISSUES
In response to the halt in SNAP food assistance benefits, Metro is working with non-profits to keep families fed until funds are released.  Several programs are already up and running. The Hunger Can’t Wait campaign https://www.secondharvestmidtn.org/ , launched in partnership with Second Harvest raised over $300,000 in 24 hours.  WeGo’s Journey Pass program facilitates mobility and the Nashville Farmers Market’s FreshBucks program is stretching remaining SNAP dollars.  Metro Social Services is providing  Quick Meals program, and  Nashville General’s Food Pharmacy provides healthy food to people undergoing cancer treatment.  Metro Action Commission has emergency assistance programs. Metro Schools has a food distribution program. 
Metro has over 75 different volunteer boards and commissions that help with the governance of the city taking full advantage of citizen engagement and expertise.  Residents of Davidson County are encouraged to participate in everything from the Agricultural Extension Board to the Board of Zoning Appeals.  Applications for most boards can be made online at the bottom of the web page for the appropriate Board or Commission.  The Mayor or Vice-Mayor appoints and final approval is by Council vote.  Descriptions of all the boards and commissions can be found at https://www.nashville.gov/Government/Boards-and-Commissions.aspx.  There are openings coming up on the Metro Development and Housing Authority (MDHA), Procurement Appeals Board, Metro Action Commission, Work Release Commission, Convention Center Authority, and Board of Ethical Conduct. 
 
Most physicians and medical associations recommend that everyone six months of age and older get the COVID and flu vaccines, especially those with underlying health conditions. Those who are 65 and older or have underlying health conditions can receive a high-dose version of the flu vaccine. High-dose vaccines are available inside MPHD clinics.  Those who receive flu vaccines are encouraged to wear clothing that gives easy access to the upper shoulder area like shirts with short sleeves or shirt sleeves that can be easily rolled up.
  Flu shots are available at most drug stores and from Metro Public Health at the   following locations:
Insurance coverage varies.  Call before you go.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving.  Please let me know about your suggestions and concerns by contacting me at burkle...@nashville.gov or 615-383-6604.


Burkley


Burkley Allen
Metro Council At-Large

Council Committees - Budget and Finance - Past Chair
                               Planning, Zoning, and Historic- Past Chair
                               Transportation and Infrastructure - Solid Waste Subcommittee Chair
Barnes Housing Trust Fund Commission
Sustainability Commission
Tax Abatement Study Committee - Chair
Women's Caucus - Past Chair 

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