|
I hope you had a fun and relaxing Labor Day weekend! Whether you spent it grilling out, catching up with friends and family, or just enjoying some well-deserved downtime, I hope it was a good one.
September always feels like a fresh start, football season is here, fall traditions are right around the corner, and a lot has happened in District 13 and across Nashville.
|
|
|
|
I’ve got updates on what’s going on in our community, info on upcoming events, and a few things to keep on your radar as we head into the season.
Thanks, as always, for staying connected and involved. I’m proud to serve you and excited about what’s ahead this fall!
|
|
|
Housing & Infrastructure Study Updates
|
|
|
|
Metro Planning has provided some important updates regarding the ongoing Housing & Infrastructure Study and the next steps in the process.
Back in June, they shared a Draft Recommendations Memo that outlined several proposed Code changes as part of Phase 2 of the study. Some of those recommendations are now moving forward and appear on tonight's agenda for introduction and first reading. These include bills BL2025-1005, -1006, -1007, and -1008.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
-
BL2025-1005: Proposes creating two new zoning districts that Council Members could choose to use in the future. Community outreach on this proposal has been ongoing throughout August.
-
Planning Commission public hearing: August 28 (completed)
-
Next Planning Commission meeting: September 25
-
Metro Council public hearing: Expected October 9
-
BL2025-1006 & BL2025-1007: Based on feedback from the May community workshops, these bills propose small adjustments to the RS & R zoning districts. The goal is to improve design quality and compatibility of infill development while also creating more opportunities for DADUs and updating duplex conditions.
Metro Planning is holding Office Hours from September 5 through September 23 for community members to ask questions and share feedback on the proposed changes to one- and two-family residential zoning and DADUs.
This is an important chance for our community to weigh in on changes that will shape housing and development in Nashville for years to come.
|
|
|
|
Russ had the pleasure of attending Dolly: The Ultimate Musical at Belmont, and it was an absolute delight! The cast brought Dolly’s journey to life beautifully, and the audience was fully engaged from start to finish. It was a wonderful evening of music, laughter, and inspiration right here in Nashville.
|
|
|
|
Russ had the pleasure of attending the Irish Network of Nashville’s monthly happy hour, joining friends and neighbors to celebrate our shared heritage and connections to Ireland. Events like these remind me of the strength of our community and the joy of keeping our Irish roots alive here in Nashville.
|
|
|
|
Russ recently attended the Sustainability Workshop hosted by Neighbor 2 Neighbor (N2N) and the Nashville Department of Transportation (NDOT). The workshop focused on practical strategies for creating more sustainable, resilient neighborhoods and highlighted innovative transportation and infrastructure initiatives happening across our city.
|
|
|
Russ spent a wonderful afternoon at Two Rivers Mansion, enjoying Irish music and storytelling. It was a perfect setting to connect with our community, soak in the rich traditions, and appreciate the talented musicians and storytellers who brought Ireland’s spirit to life right here in Donelson.
|
|
|
|
Russ had a great time celebrating the 25th “birthday” of the Hermitage Library! The event was filled with fun, laughter, and community spirit as neighbors came together to honor this incredible resource. I even joined in on a lively game of bingo, which added to the festive atmosphere.
|
|
|
|
Russ attended this year's Shakespeare in the Park. The performance was vibrant and engaging, and it was wonderful to experience live theater under the open sky. Events like this not only celebrate incredible talent but also highlight the importance of keeping the arts alive and thriving in our community.
|
|
|
|
Russ recently visited the Frist Art Museum to explore their Venice & the Ottoman Empire exhibition, and it was a captivating experience. Experiencing world-class art like this right here in Nashville is a wonderful reminder of our city’s vibrant arts scene and the importance of supporting local institutions that bring global culture and creativity to our community.
|
|
|
Nashville is taking big steps toward a greener, more sustainable future, and there’s plenty of progress to share, from tree planting milestones to innovative school programs and major solar energy savings on the horizon.
Back in 2016, the Livable Nashville Committee set an ambitious goal: planting 500,000 trees across Davidson County. Since then, the city has seen incredible progress. The campaign officially kicked off in October 2018 with the planting of the first tree. By December 4, 2024, the 50,000th tree was planted at Whitsett Park with city officials, nonprofit partners, and community members joining in the celebration. Over the summer of 2025, more than 6,000 new trees have been thriving along the Cumberland River, with a survival rate above 90% thanks to the Cumberland River Compact’s dedicated watering program. Nashville’s Neighborhood Planting Captains Program, launched in the fall of 2020, has empowered local leaders to take an active role in restoring the city’s canopy, while an Executive Order in 2018 officially recognized the city’s tree canopy as a valuable community asset. Each new tree brings the city closer to a healthier, more resilient future.
Metro Nashville Public Schools are also taking action to reduce food waste and engage students in sustainability efforts through the Cafeteria Food Scraps Pilot Program. During the 2024–2025 school year, more than 50 tons of food waste were diverted from landfills, with 4,837 students participating across multiple schools. Campuses like West End Middle, Gateway, and Hickman led the way, with some diverting over 12,000 pounds of scraps. This program not only reduces landfill waste but also fosters awareness and stewardship among Nashville’s youngest residents.
In addition to tree planting and waste reduction, Metro is investing in renewable energy. A recent Solar Cost Benefit Analysis shows the potential to install 100 megawatts of solar capacity across 235 Metro-owned properties. These installations could result in $79 million in savings for key departments, including MNPS, General Services, Libraries, and Parks, with solar systems in schools alone potentially saving an estimated $31 million. Planned installations include rooftop, canopy, and ground-mounted systems designed to maximize coverage and efficiency, reducing energy costs while cutting emissions and paving the way for a cleaner, brighter future.
From tree planting and food waste reduction to renewable energy investments, these initiatives highlight Nashville’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Together, these efforts are building a healthier, greener city for generations to come.
|
|
|
|
Russ is excited to welcome Elizabeth TeSelle as the new Beautification Commissioner for District 13!
Almost a native Nashvillian, Elizabeth moved here at the age of six and grew up in a family where recycling and caring for the environment were a way of life.
|
|
|
|
Her father, Nashville institution Eugene TeSelle, was known for picking up trash wherever he went, a trait Elizabeth proudly carries forward in her own love for beautification and environmental stewardship.
A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Elizabeth enjoys hiking and kayaking throughout beautiful Middle Tennessee. She is also a devoted tree enthusiast and an active member of the Nashville Bonsai Society. Academically accomplished, Elizabeth earned a BA from Vanderbilt University and a master’s in English from Indiana University, and recently retired after a 30-year career in academic administration at Vandy.
Elizabeth spent 20 years on a farm in rural Maury County, where she often devoted long hours picking up trash on her road, before returning to town in 2023. Since moving back, she has eagerly embraced the community, exploring all that Donelson has to offer and sharing her musical talents as a violinist with the Two Rivers Community Orchestra.
As Beautification Commissioner, Elizabeth looks forward to working with residents, businesses, and local organizations to make Nashville not only greener but also more vibrant and welcoming. We’re thrilled to have her leadership and passion for the environment helping shape a more beautiful District 13!
|
|
3325 McGavock Pike
On First Reading tonight are BL2025-1022 & 1023, which are the legislation approving the rezoning of the vacant property off McGavock Pike to permit 71 multi-family residential units.
MPC Actions: Approved with Conditions, Disapproved without 10 - 0
Council Action: On First Reading tonight.
2791 Couchville Pike
Also on First Reading tonight, BL2025-1032, a request to rezone from R20 to IWD zoning for the property located at 2791 Couchville Pike, approximately 327 feet west of Bell Road (10.94 acres). Russ held a virtual meeting earlier this summer; you can watch it here.
MPC Action: Approved 10 - 0
Council Action: On First Reading
|
|
|
- Tonight's Council agenda can be found here, and the analysis here. The amendments packet can be found here, as well as the minutes from the last meeting here.
- Tonight, the Council will be electing a new Pro Tem for the upcoming year. Russ and CM Porterfield were nominated. Russ is currently sitting at 19 votes of the 21 needed.
- Council will also be choosing a new chair of the Planning Committee. The two nominees are CMs Rutherford and Hollin. Russ plans on voting for CM Rutherford.
- The other positions being voted on tonight are the Council's Traffic and Parking Representative, Metro Audit Committee, and the Short Term Appeals Board.
- Council will be confirming appointments to the Fire and Building Code Appeals Board, Metro Historical Commission, and Historical Zoning Commission.
- Bills on tonight's agenda Russ has signed onto:
Bills on Public Hearing
- BL2025-949: An ordinance amending Metropolitan Code of Laws section 17.40.600 to provide that notices of violation are not required for subsequent violations of the same offense under Title 17.
Bills on First Reading
- BL2025-1008: An ordinance establishing a Voluntary Attainable Housing Incentive Program for Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County for the purpose of authorizing certain incentives to be provided to property owners who seek to build multi-family attainable housing.
Bills on Second Reading
- BL2025-948: An ordinance to amend Section 2.40.115 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws relative to the settlement of violations of the property standards code in Chapter 16.24 by the Department of Law.
- BL2025-995: An ordinance amending Sections 10.26.010, 10.28.010, and 16.24.330 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws pertaining to intentional designs for vegetative growth.
Bills on Third and Final Reading
- BL2025-964: An ordinance authorizing The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County to accept new sanitary sewer main, sanitary sewer manholes, the vertical relocation of a sanitary sewer manhole, and easements, for property located at 1300 Donelson Pike, also known as the Runway Logistics 1- Revision 1, (MWS Project No. 24-SL-19 and Proposal No. 2024M-043ES-002).
|
|
|
|
If your community or group has an event or announcement you'd like included in The Flight Tracker or shared on social media please those to Russ via email here.
|
|
|
|
Dates to Remember
- 9/6 - CLC Labor Day Parade
- 9/13 - Coffee with Your Councilman, 9 - 11 AM, Dunkin' on Briley
- 9/16 - Metro Council meeting, 6 PM, Historic Metro Courthouse
- 10/9 - Metro Council meeting, 6 PM, Historic Metro Courthouse
|
|
|
|
hubNashville is a comprehensive customer service system, that makes it easier for people to connect with Metro representatives in order to make service requests, ask questions, and share feedback. hubNashville is a one-stop-shop currently available by phone and online, that is easy to use, and doesn’t require a user to know which department they need to contact.
|
|
Help Support The Flight Tracker Today!
|
|
|
|
|
