April Update

April is Earth Month, and all kinds of activities are taking place through the month to increase awareness of the amazing planet that houses and nurtures us.

EVENTS

Saturday, April 20 is Earth Day. The Centennial Park Conservancy is planning an Earth Day celebration at Centennial Park from 11 to 5. This free family event brings the Nashville community together to celebrate our planet, inspire positive environmental change, and support sustainable small businesses & nonprofits. Nashville Earth Day will feature engaging & educational activities from a variety of exhibitors and vendors, including local growers & makers, nonprofits, sustainable small businesses, and state/metro government agencies. There will be free live music, Kidsville activities, an electric vehicle show, and local food vendors. Information is available at the Earth Day website. The Nashville Tree Foundation will distribute 850 trees at the event, on a first come first serve basis.

The Cumberland River Compact is thrilled to be leading Nashville’s No Mow Month campaign for its second year. Throughout April, Davidson County residents are encouraged to refrain from mowing their lawns to preserve local ecosystems and mitigate stormwater impacts. Allowing grass to grow taller reduces stormwater runoff and fosters healthier habitats for wildlife. At no cost, participants in No Mow Month will receive a distinctive yard sign to display their commitment to environmental stewardship throughout April. The Compact is partnering with Metro Nashville on this initiative, so residents who display a yard sign and make sure their grass remains under 12” tall will not be subject to relevant code violations. The partnership is a joint effort to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of traditional lawn care practices. Traditionally manicured lawns generate more stormwater runoff when it rains. This runoff carries pollutants like pet waste, fertilizers, and motor oil into nearby waterways. By letting grass grow taller, homeowners allow it to establish deeper root systems which break up the soil, allow more water to be absorbed, and filter pollutants before they reach our creeks and streams. Davidson County residents can sign up to participate in No Mow Month on the Compact’s web page. Participants will receive No Mow Month sign pick up information after registration. The mission of the Cumberland River Compact is to enhance the health and enjoyment of the Cumberland River and its tributaries through education, collaboration, and action. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, please visit their web site.

Brush Pick-up begins in Area 10 (Whites Bend, Charlotte Park, Cockrill Bend, Nations, TSU, College Heights, Germantown, Buena Vista) on April 9, Area 11 (Joelton, Whites Creek, Marrowbone, Scottsboro, Bells Bend, Bordeaux, Haynes Heights, Haynes Manor ) on April 15 Area 12 (Goodlettsville, Dalemere, Bellshire) on April 18. Area 1 - West Madison, Capital View, Douglas Park, Cleveland Park, McFerrin Park, Highland Heights on April 25 Area 2: East Madison, Inglewood, Neely’s Bend, Peeler Park, Maplewood Heights, Iverson, Maxwell Heights, Edgefield, Eastwood, Shelby Bottoms, Shelby Hills, and Lockland Springs on on May 2

By visiting participating establishments, for breakfast, lunch, dinner or all three, you’ll be supporting local nonprofits that work to accomplish United Way’s mission of uniting the community and mobilizing resources so that every child, individual and family thrives. More information is at the United Way website.

Urban Land Institute Nashville and Neighbor 2 Neighbor are inviting neighbors to an UrbanPlan Experiential Workshop on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm This In-Person ONLY training & networking event is free to residents of Davidson County, but advance registration is required. The UrbanPlan workshop is a one-day experiential workshop that brings the urban environment to life through an interactive exercise where teams form development companies tasked with redeveloping a hypothetical site. It is a unique opportunity to see what is involved in bringing new residences and amenities to an area while being sensitive to neighborhood concerns, city needs, and the realities of limited budgets. Register at N2N’s website

The St. Jude Rock and Roll Marathon is taking place Saturday, April 27 starting at 6:30 at Broadway and 8th Avenue. The event benefits St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Multiple distances are included so everyone can participate. Choose from Marathon, Half Marathon, 6.15 Mile, 5K. Shorter races on Sunday, April 28 include the 1 Mile, KiDSROCK, and the Doggie Dash. Register here . The route is similar to past years, going out Music Row, 12th South, Clifton, Belmont, the Gulch, Rosa Parks, Metro Center, Woodland Streed, S 5th, Shelby Park, finishing at Nissan Stadium. Information about street closings is on the marathon website. WeGo Public Transit will run the Music City Star to transport runners and supporters from Wilson County and Donelson to the marathon. The train to the marathon is a collaborative effort between WeGo, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Wilson County. All ticket proceeds will benefit St. Jude. Tickets cost $15 plus a $2 processing fee and may be purchased with a credit card through TicketsNashville.com. Tickets will be on sale until 24 hours prior to departure or until tickets are sold out, whichever comes first. The train will depart Lebanon Station at 5 am, stopping at others along the way and arrive at the Riverfront Station at 6 am. The return train to Lebanon leaves Riverfront Station at noon. Please note, the return trip is subject to change if inclement weather causes a delay to the start of the marathon.

Metro Water Services is hosting another great learning opportunity for neighbors. The Spring 2024 Citizen’s Water Academy program will consist of five two-hour in person sessions where Metro Water Services leadership will share details on how our most precious resource, water, is managed from “river to river”. The sessions take place on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30. The Spring 2024 sessions will be…

• “Imagine a Day Without Water” at the K.R. Harrington Water Treatment Plant
• “Protecting the Environment” at the Whites Creek Water Reclamation Facility
• “A Sustainable Future” at the Biosolids Facility
• “Protecting Public Health” at the Research and Analytical Laboratory
• “The Value of Water” at Omohundro Water Treatment Plant

I just did the one day version of this, and it was fascinating. Applications are now being accepted at the MWS website

The Mayor’s Office of New Americans is accepting applications for the 2024 MyCity Academy . This is a free civic and leadership training program for immigrants, refugees, new residents, and indigenous people that empowers participants to learn about and participate in city government. There are seven 9 to 2:30 sessions held monthly. Participants are expected to attend at least six sessions. Applications are due April 30th with the first session starting Mary 16. More information is on the My City Academy website .

All Metro Parks Nature Centers have great educational programs this time of year. From springwildflower to birdwatching to organic gardening, there is something for everyone and all ages. More information is available on the Parks website.

Effective Sunday, March 31, 2024, WeGo Public Transit has implemented system-wide service expansions and improvements on several routes in North Nashville, offer a new crosstown route, and an additional WeGo Link zone. In anticipation of the opening of the Dr. Ernest Rip Patton, Jr. North Nashville Transit Center (NNTC), slated for late spring, these changes will provide improved service for the North Nashville community, including the new crosstown Route 71 – Trinity; and new WeGo Link Zone – Bordeaux/Buena Vista, offering expanded service to Bordeaux and Haynes Park.

There are also route changes for

• 9 Metro Center,
• 14 Whites Creek,
• 41 Golden Valley,
• 42 St Cecilia,
• 75 Midtown
• 77 Thompson Lane
• and schedule changes for
• 3 West End
• 18 Airport
• 28 Meridian
• 24 Opry Mills
• 55 Murfreesboro Pike
• 56 Gallatin Pike
• 94 Clarksville

A detailed listing of all route modifications and improvements can be found at (Approved Changes l WeGo Public Transit), or call Customer Care at 615-862-5950

Our Place Nashville is an organization that partners with non-profit organizations to provide brick-and-mortar housing called Friendship Houses throughout the city for adults with developmental disabilities. They are taking applications for neurotypical resident “housemates” who act as companions and help build community with their resident friends. Their housemates often include graduate students, young professionals in starter jobs, musicians, older adults, even a motivational speaker who are and have been our awesome Friendship House housemates. If you know anyone with a big heart who is looking for affordable housing and wants to be a part of our inclusive, integrated community, please have them Apply today!

The Metropolitan Action Commission has paid work experiences, internships, and peer leader opportunities available for Davidson County youth between the ages of 14-24 years old. The deadline to apply is May 18. The agency’s POWER Youth Summer Employment initiative partners with employers within Metro Government, businesses, non-profits, and other organizations to provide seasonal, part-time, year-round and career preparation experiences. To access the portal, applicants should go to the MAC website. The youth summer opportunities are coordinated by age-appropriate groupings.     

• Ages 14-15. Experience Work participants make $12 per hour while working on art or community development projects.
• Ages 16-19. High School Interns make $15 per hour work independently at private, public, non-profit, and university job sites, and receive pre-program training and coaching to ensure they have the skills needed on the job.
• Ages 14-24. Direct Hire opportunities with local businesses are posted on the site for all ages up to 24.

All positions, except for the year-round positions, will begin June 3 and end July 19. Applicants must have a Davidson County address to be eligible for the POWER Youth Summer Employment program. For questions regarding the POWER Youth Summer Employment programs or how to apply, call 615-862-8860 or visit the website.

Metro Parks offers a variety of free and low cost music, theater, dance, enrichment, and sports camps during the summer. The Summer Enrichment Program for 2024 begins June 3. Sign-ups for the very popular Summer Enrichment Program is one day only - April 20 from 8 a.m. to noon at all neighborhood and regional community centers. Information about regional centers is here.

The 13 year Cicadas – Brood XIX will be coming back in May. There are about 15 different broods in the northeast US. Most have a 17 year life cycle, but the one that we see here in Nashville emerges every 13 years. There is an area in Illinois that will have both broods emerge together this year for the first time in 221 years, but Nashville will not get the double dose. Neighbors who were in Nashville in 2011 will remember the thousands of white nymphs emerging from the ground and climbing up tree trunks for their shells to harden. Once they molt, they have distinctive red eyes and a loud call. The females lay their eggs on the underside of small branches before they all die off. Neighbors might want to protect small trees. In a few weeks the next generation will hatch and then dig underground about 8 feet to feed on tree sap until they emerge in 2037. It is a great science lesson in surround sound. Folks planning outdoor events in mid-May should be aware that this will be impactful.

Metro has over 70 Boards and Commissions that help implement the goals and policies of the Metro Departments. These are made up of citizens from all over the county who bring their diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure good decision making. Board members are appointed by the mayor or vice-mayor and approved by the Metro Council. The Mayor’s Office is always looking for good people to serve. There are openings coming up for the Transit Authority, Entertainment Board, Auditorium Commission, Homelessness Commission, Employee Benefit Board, and Tourism Commission. Anyone who is interested in being considered can look through the different Boards and Commission pages and sign up through the application link at the bottom of each page.

ISSUES

The plan for the proposed transit referendum is moving forward toward a November vote. Draft concept maps showing the scope of Choose How You Move are posted on the transit website. The plan focuses on Service, Sidewalks, and Signals. Specifically the plane will work to improve:

• Bus Rapid Transit on the busiest roads
• Frequent Bus Service Network
• Sidewalks
• Smart traffic signals
• Expanded local public transit service - more routes and longer hours
• New and express transit routes

Mayor O’Connell will be making a major announcement at the Southeast Community Center on Friday, April 19 at 10:30.

The two most controversial NEST bills, which would have expanded housing types into RS zoning, have been withdrawn. The council has asked Metro Planning and other departments to study other options for addressing our housing affordability crisis and to evaluate the impact on infrastructure that increased density would have. Those studies should be complete next spring or summer.

I hope everyone is appreciating the revival of new life this spring. Please let me hear your thoughts and suggestions burkley.allen@nashville.gov or 615-383-6604. Sign up for my newsletter at www.burkley.org

Regards,
Burkley Allen
Metro Council At-Large