Zero Vision?

Good afternoon, everyone. Last night at Metro Council: Members paused new data center permits, set up guardrails, advanced efforts to acquire the DC Blox property near the zoo, and debated Vision Zero... Neighbors question whether mural protections in Nations redevelopment go far enough... Grand Ole Opry radio station hopes to save AM radio... And much more!

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Metro Council found the brake pedal for data centers—still searching for one when it comes to pedestrian deaths.

From Megan Podsiedlik

Data Centers During last night’s Metro Council meeting, members officially approved new data center regulations and an amended temporary moratorium that pauses new data center permits until December 1.

Moratorium Sponsor Courtney Johnston said the council plans to introduce additional regulations after reviewing data center reports required under Executive Order 59, which are due August 15. The delay gives lawmakers time to evaluate the impacts, draft new rules, and pass legislation before new projects can move forward.

The council also advanced the condemnation legislation on its second reading, allowing Metro to continue pursuing acquisition of the 648 Grassmere Park property near the Nashville Zoo, where DC Blox has proposed a data center.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s eminent domain legislation passed with little discussion but will be re-referred to committee for further debate before the final vote.

Pedestrian Deaths In contrast, the council took a chunk of time to squabble over a non-binding resolution regarding Vision Zero.

Vision Zero is a traffic safety initiative aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries through safer street design, better enforcement, and data-driven improvements. Despite the city’s fixation on the vision over the last six years, the budget increases and initiatives don’t seem to be translating to pedestrian safety—prompting renewed calls for the city to accelerate safety measures.

Last night, council approved a resolution urging NDOT and Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s administration to accelerate Vision Zero efforts after a debate over whether to delay the measure until new leadership is hired. Sponsor Councilmember Jacob Kupin initially requested the deferral to give the incoming NDOT director and Vision Zero program manager time to get up to speed, but several members argued Nashville does not have time to wait.

“We have constituents who are dying every day," said Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda, warning that people’s lives are at risk while they wait for signs to be translated for non-English-speaking communities.

“Departments will defer things into oblivion,” said Councilmember Erin Evans. “How many more people have to die or be hurt before they do something?” asked Councilmember Russ Bradford.

Vision Zero, or Zero Vision? Though the legislation was passed, it has no teeth. And despite years of Vision Zero investments—from traffic-calming projects to pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades—the legislation does not spell out which interventions are most effective or how Metro will determine whether its efforts are reducing fatalities.

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Use our handy new tool to see what contributed to your property tax bill increase: the reappraisal or the rate hike. (Try It Out)

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HEADLINES

🚧 Neighbors question whether mural protections in Nations redevelopment go far enough. Metro Council gave final approval to a mixed-use redevelopment project at 5901 California Avenue in The Nations, but debate continues over protections for beloved neighborhood murals. An added amendment requires the murals to be preserved, reused, returned to the artist, donated, or relocated to another public location, though some neighbors argue it lacks specific funding or guarantees for preservation. (Fox 17)
📻 AM radio's future in cars is uncertain; the Grand Ole Opry's radio home wants to preserve it. Nashville’s 650 AM WSM, the longtime radio home of the Grand Ole Opry, is pushing to keep AM radio in new vehicles as automakers increasingly remove the technology in favor of streaming and digital systems. Supporters of the federal AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act argue AM remains an important emergency communication tool, while automakers say EV technology can create interference issues and that newer alternatives exist. (Tennessean)*WSM Radio has broadcast the Grand Ole Opry since 1925 and is considered one of country music’s most historic radio stations.
🏕 Nashville homeless man one of the first charged with felony for camping. Joseph Lamont Williams, a 49-year-old homeless man living in an East Nashville park, became one of the first people in the country charged under Tennessee’s felony camping law after police arrested him for remaining on public property. The felony charges were later dismissed after he spent nine days in jail, but the case has become part of a national debate over whether camping bans actually address homelessness. (NPR)

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DEVELOPMENT

Albion opens first Beaman site tower (NBJ)
Local investors to acquire San Antonio Taco Company (Post)
Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang donates $75M to Vanderbilt (Post)

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✹ METRO COUNCIL WATCH

New Council Watch Features We've added additional features to Council Watch. In addition to who's funding your council member, you can now see how they vote and who they vote with most frequently. (Take a Look)