June Update

1. Congratulations to the owners of six homes in District 18 who were recognized in the Metro Historic Preservation Awards. Homes at 3111 Acklen Avenue, 1512 Paris Avenue, and 2008 19th Ave S were nominated for excellence in home renovations. An honorable mention was awarded to 1511 Dallas Avenue for a rear addition and repairs to the exterior, reversing some non-historic changes to the home and salvaging and reusing materials. 1612 Linden Avenue received an award for a renovation project that replaced and enlarged an early addition to the home. The rehabilitation of 2616 Belmont Boulevard received an award for structural and cosmetic repairs that preserved and restored the historic stucco exterior of the original house and reconstructed and stabilized the broad horizontal eaves and limestone foundation walls.

2. Movies in the Park starts this week at Elmington Park. The free movie series includes
   • June 2nd: Space Jam
   • June 9th: Finding Nemo (Pet Night)
   • June 16th: Pitch Perfect 2
   • June 23rd: Star Wars: The Force Awakens
   • June 30: (reserved for rain date)

   Parking is available at West End Middle School, West End Church of Christ, Blakemore United Methodist Church, and Congregation Sherith Israel. The Elmington Park parking lot will be closed off starting at 8 am on each Thursday. Additional info is available at https://www.facebook.com/Nashville-Scenes-Movies-in-the-Park-1511837792371891/

3. Belmont Hillsboro Neighborhood invites everyone to the annual Wood for the Hood celebration Saturday, June 25th at the Belmont Boulevard home of Mary Frances Rudy for an evening of wine, hors d’oeuvres, and the company of fellow tree lovers. Purchase tickets at http://belmont-hillsboro.us/happenings/wood-for-the-hood-2/

4. Brush Pick-up starts in BHN, 12th S, and Sunnyside on June 22 and in HWEN July 1.

5. Check the street sweeping schedule at http://www.nashville.gov/Water-Services/Stormwater-Maintenance/Street-Sweeping-Schedule.aspx. Moving your car off the street the day the sweeper comes through will enable them to remove sticks and leaves so they don’t end up clogging gutters and causing flooding.

6. People have asked about Nashville’s water quality since lead contamination in Detroit’s system made the news. Residents can see for themselves that Nashville’s water is clean and healthy in all respects by going to http://ccr.nashville.gov. This annual report explains how water in Nashville is treated before and after it comes to our homes, and it lists the levels of regulated chemicals relative to the EPA requirements.

7. Neighbors will begin to see Google Fiber crews on our streets, and as they install their fiber network in our part of town. That will usually include street markings of existing utilities and will sometimes involve sidewalk and street closings. Construction is each area should be completed within a couple of weeks. When they’re done, the area should be returned to its original condition whether that means patching holes, repaving streets, or planting new grass seed. If issues arise, contact the 24/7 Construction Inquiry Line at 877-454-6959. For more information and to sign up for updates on the project,visit: https://fiber.google.com/cities/nashville/

8. Metro Nashville Public Schools is offering free meals to kids (birth through 18) this summer at four locations throughout Nashville. The program also offers meals at a reduced rate($3.75) for adults. This service is open for the entire community—not just MNPS students—and individuals may go to the location most convenient for them. The closest location to District 18 is Fall Hamilton School at 510 Wedgewood Avenue. Meals will be served from 1-2 pm through July 22.

9. Nashville Community Education summer classes start next week. These are weekly classes in everything from fencing to French at low prices. Registration is at cecinfo@nashville.gov.

10. Metro Parks is kicking off a Parks and Greenways master planning process with multiple opportunities for citizen input. Neighbors can share thoughts at a series of public meetings. On Thursday, June 9 join Mayor Megan Barry at noon at the Downtown Library, 615 Church Street or come to a meeting later that day at McCabe Community Center, 101 46th Ave N at 6 pm. Your input will help shape the future of the parks and greenways.

11. Metro Public Works is continuing its update of Nashville’s Strategic Sidewalk Plan through public meetings and on-line surveys at http://nashvillewalknbike.com/ The program is officially known as Walk N Bike and offers Nashvillians the opportunity to weigh in on where sidewalks are most needed. As part of the process, we can also ask to adjust the ratio of repair to new sidewalk spending. We can fill in the many gaps in the sidewalk network much faster if only 20% of funding were set aside for repairs and the rest of the sidewalk funds dedicated to new sidewalks. Please contact members of the steering committee and ask them to change the funding ratio. While you are at it, you can also make suggestions on what would make Nashville a more bike and pedestrian friendly city for you.

12. Tax Assessment Change Notices were mailed on Friday, May 20, 2016, to property owners whose 2016 appraised and/or assessed value has changed as a result of a change in their property or of an Informal Review Request. Property owners who disagree with their assessment may schedule an appeal with the Metro Board of Equalization by calling (615) 862-6059 weekdays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The last day appeals will be accepted is Friday, June 17, 2016. Appeal Hearings will begin on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. The Metro Board of Equalization will be in session from Monday, July 11, 2016 through Friday, July 15, 2016. Anyone needing further assistance can call the Assessor’s office at (615) 862-6080.

I hope everyone’s summer is off to a great start, and you have plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy Nashville’s wonderful recreational opportunities. See you at Movies in the Park! Please feel free to contact me with concerns and suggestions at burkley.allen@nashville.gov