NO NEST NASHVILLE
Preserving and Protecting Iconic Neighborhoods
Join us in making a difference by fighting for our iconic and beloved communities! NO NEST!
About Save Our Neighborhood
We Deserve Answers From Metro Council
Nashville has grappled with enduring challenges stemming from inadequate planning, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of public input into decisions made by an unresponsive city council. The time has come for taxpayers of all persuasions—whether liberal or conservative—to unite in demanding enhanced services from a city we hold in such high regard. This is not about affordable housing; it is about back-patting developers and gaining more tax revenue for pet-projects. We value civility; but expect accountability.
Join Save Our Neighborhood
Overcrowding
Infrastructure
Infrastructure
A recent article in The Tennessean highlights the worsening congestion in our town, revealing how our infrastructure is already overwhelmed by the current population density and the significant increase in tourism. Despite these pressing concerns, the proposed legislation does not adequately address the critical issues at hand.
Unchecked overcrowding poses a serious threat to Nashville's future. As more people flock to the city, residents may face longer wait times for essential services, from healthcare to emergency response. Overcrowding also puts immense pressure on our local businesses, leading to a decline in service quality and higher prices as they struggle to accommodate both residents and tourists.
Moreover, Metro Council has repeatedly sided with out-of-state developers, prioritizing their interests over the needs of Nashville’s residents. While the city has a strong reputation for being business-friendly, this should not mean supporting crooked business practices that exacerbate our overcrowding issues. The Council’s tendency to ignore the concerns of their constituents and work in the shadows further undermines public trust.
If these challenges are not addressed now, Nashville could face escalating costs and more disruptive measures in the future, as the city scrambles to manage the growing strain. The risk of reaching a tipping point, where the city becomes less attractive to both residents and visitors, is real and imminent.
A comprehensive, targeted approach is essential to mitigate the effects of overcrowding and manage the surge in tourism. This should involve not only reinforcing and expanding our infrastructure but also implementing strategic measures to regulate and balance growth. By addressing these issues proactively, we can preserve Nashville's unique character and ensure it remains a vibrant, livable city for generations to come, without resorting to drastic and potentially harmful zoning changes.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Infrastructure
As you drive through Nashville, it’s clear that our infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the city's rapid growth. The surge in construction and street parking has exacerbated congestion, further straining our already overburdened systems and making daily commutes increasingly frustrating.
One of the most pressing concerns is the state of our aging water and sewer infrastructure. Frequent leaks, breaks, and overflows are not just inconvenient; they pose significant health risks and environmental hazards. Addressing these issues demands substantial investment in upgrades and maintenance, which is challenging given our limited resources and the growing list of infrastructure needs.
The idea of increasing population density as a solution introduces a complex dilemma. While higher density can lead to more efficient use of infrastructure and potentially reduce the per capita cost of services, it also places greater demands on already stressed systems. Without comprehensive planning and substantial investment to upgrade Nashville's infrastructure, simply increasing density could exacerbate the very problems it aims to solve.
Furthermore, increasing density has serious implications for our transportation infrastructure. As more people move into concentrated areas, the number of vehicles on the road will inevitably rise, leading to increased congestion, longer commute times, and a reduction in overall quality of life.
This situation could necessitate costly expansions and upgrades to our roadways, requiring careful planning and significant financial outlays. If these challenges aren't addressed proactively, Nashville risks creating an unsustainable environment where the strain on infrastructure undermines the city's growth and residents' well-being.
Those of us who understand Nashville know that we cannot handle this volume.
Schools
Infrastructure
Fiscal Issues
The recent report from The Tennessean on Metro Nashville Public Schools' struggle with unfilled teaching positions underscores a broader concern about our education system's capacity to accommodate a growing population. The fact that there were 164 unfilled full-time teaching positions at the end of the semester, down only slightly from 172 at the start of the year, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by our schools.
Nashville’s schools are not just dealing with teacher shortages; they are also grappling with overcrowded classrooms and inadequate resources. According to data from the Tennessee Department of Education, Metro Nashville Public Schools have seen a steady increase in student enrollment over the past decade, without a corresponding increase in funding or infrastructure. This mismatch has led to overcrowded classrooms where teachers are stretched thin, impacting their ability to provide individualized attention and quality instruction.
Moreover, teacher shortages are exacerbated by Nashville’s rising cost of living, which makes it difficult for the district to attract and retain qualified educators. The housing market in Nashville has seen prices skyrocket, making it increasingly challenging for teachers to live in the communities where they work.
Addressing these challenges requires more than just increasing the number of schools or classrooms. It demands strategic planning and significant investment in teacher recruitment and retention programs.
By focusing on improving our existing schools and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to teacher shortages and unfilled positions, we can better prepare our education system to accommodate a growing population in the future.
Without these measures, the strain on our education system will only intensify, potentially leading to long-term negative impacts on the city’s growth and development.
Fiscal Issues
Conflicts of Interest
Fiscal Issues
Nashville's financial challenges are compounded by the potential impacts of increasing density. While higher density can boost short-term economic growth by creating more lively urban areas, it also brings significant challenges. Consider the strain it places on infrastructure. As more people move into denser areas, the demand for essential services such as roads, waste management, water, and sewer systems rises.
Expanding and upgrading these systems to support a larger population is expensive. Nashville would likely need to make substantial investments in infrastructure to accommodate the increased density, which could strain the city’s budget if not managed carefully. Additionally, higher-density areas often require more frequent maintenance and repairs, adding to ongoing costs.
Furthermore, the increased demand for public services such as emergency response, waste management, and utilities can stretch the city's resources. Meeting these needs might require additional funding, potentially leading to higher taxes or cuts to other vital services. If these fiscal pressures are not addressed, the city could face long-term financial instability.
Given these challenges, it’s crucial for Nashville to plan and manage its growth carefully. The goal should be to ensure that increased density leads to sustainable economic benefits without overwhelming the city's financial resources.
Traffic Congestion
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of Interest
Nashville's traffic issues are already a significant concern, and increasing population density could exacerbate the problem. Higher density typically means more vehicles on the road, leading to increased congestion and longer commute times. This added pressure on the city's transportation infrastructure would likely necessitate costly upgrades and expansions to accommodate the additional traffic.
Moreover, increased density presents challenges not just in terms of vehicle volume, but also in providing adequate parking. The scarcity of parking facilities in densely populated areas can lead to more street parking, which further contributes to congestion and reduces road capacity for moving traffic. The lack of sufficient off-street parking options exacerbates delays as drivers circle to find spots, adding to overall frustration and travel times.
Addressing these issues will require careful planning and investment in infrastructure improvements to keep the city accessible and livable for all residents. For example, upgrading outdated traffic systems, like the non-functional traffic lights in Green Hills that have been in place since the '80s, is a necessary step to accommodate growth and reduce congestion. By proactively tackling these challenges, Nashville can better manage the impacts of increasing density on its infrastructure, ensuring a more sustainable and livable environment for its residents.
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of Interest
Bill sponsor Quin Evans Segall has represented many real-estate ventures throughout her career. She claims to not practice law at the moment. However, she still has a significant interest in City House Title (according to their website). Additionally, her LinkedIn page states "From day-to-day operations to finance and real estate transactions large and small, Quin helps regulators, owners, operators, brokers and tenants in a variety of acquisition, development, leasing, management, financing, and disposition matters. Clients appreciate Quin's ability to understand their budgets, timelines, and other business needs." They would certainly stand to profit from adding thousands of more properties to Nashville. This is a clear conflict of interest.
In addition, if you view the members of the Metropolitan Planning Commission, you will find that many of them have strong real estate interests. In most professions, you would be investigated and held to scrutiny for such obvious ties. Apparterntly this is not the case with Metro.
We also have concerns about the reduction of building codes. What might be the rationale behind a Metro Council member's desire to reduce them? Reach out and ask the question yourself.
Contact Quin Evans Segall and Rollin "Rolling Hills" Horton to share your concerns about their reckless plans.
Crime
Supporting Save Our Neighborhood Means Supporting Your Community
The increase in crime in Nashville has become a pressing concern, reflecting broader societal challenges. Factors such as rapid population growth, economic disparities, and the urbanization process have likely contributed to this trend. Additionally, the rapid growth of the city has exacerbated issues like unemployment and mental health struggles, which has further strained community stability and contributed to criminal activity.
According to Neighborhood Scout: "With a crime rate of 50 per one thousand residents, Nashville has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 20."
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including bolstering community policing efforts, enhancing social services, and implementing targeted interventions to tackle root causes such as poverty and substance abuse. Collaborative efforts involving law enforcement, government agencies, and community organizations are crucial for effectively combating crime and fostering a safer environment in Nashville. Increasing density will not help this.
Find Your Councilmember and Contact Them to Share Your Concerns
(Please be respectful as some members of the Council have been receptive to public comment)
Do not be fooled
We are firmly convinced that the high-density bills (two of the eight most contentious bills "that have been pulled") will be reintroduced following a year-long "study." We believe this is a deceptive tactic.
Additional Information
Facts
- The eight bills introduced at the Metro Council on February 6, 2024 (known as NEST) launched a major zoning reform that will impact every residential neighborhood across Nashville. The stated purpose was to increase 'middle housing' or more affordable housing, but the bills offered no authority to ensure 'middle housing' or affordable housing would be built. Part of this zoning reform would have done away with single-family zoning (RS), opening the door for developers to build additional large, expensive houses, instead of less expensive housing, thus increasing their profits. These bills would also allow triplexes and quadplexes in (R) and (RS) zoning districts. Many of our established, quiet neighborhoods across Nashville would have been destroyed, but no middle, affordable, or workforce housing would have been built. We must maintain two-family and single-family zoning (R and RS) for our residential neighborhoods.
- The NEST bills did not stop with doing away with (R) and (RS) zoning. These bills also reformed certain building standards to make it easier for developers to obtain permits. They included, but were not limited to, allowing only one staircase in buildings up to six (6) stories, removing the requirement for washer/dryer hookups, and eliminating a requirement for separate restrooms at gas stations. In addition, these bills would allow bars and nightclubs to locate in industrial zoning districts with heavy truck and van traffic making frequent trips to warehouses and manufacturing facilities with machinery operators.
- The lead sponsor has stated she will withdraw the two most controversial bills for now but promises to take another look in March 2025 after a report is expected from Planning and Stormwater. One council member summed up the NEST bills by saying: "This proposed legislation is not responsible, thoughtful, or departmentally collaborative and, more importantly, it won’t be effective at addressing the problem that it seeks to correct - affordability. In reality, this is nothing but a developer’s dream. In our opinion, it’s not even something that can be amended to make effective or palatable."
- This bill will reduce building codes and will not make housing more affordable.
Join Us
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
Contact Us
We're also in need of volunteer help! If you're interested, please reach out. Additionally, if you'd like to show your support, we have yard signs available. Let us know if you'd like one!
Save Our Neighborhood