Metropolitan Council - 2026-03-03
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Metropolitan Council meeting on March 3, 2026 featured significant debate over Resolution RS2025-1712 opposing The Boring Company's proposed tunnel project, which passed 20-15 after extensive public comment and procedural motions. The council also approved two commercial compatibility overlay districts for Buchanan Street (BL2025-1168 and BL2025-1169) on second reading with 35-1 votes, and advanced the East Bend subdistrict zoning (BL2026-1273 and BL2026-1284) on second reading with third reading deferred to April 7 for additional community engagement.
Key Decisions (11)
Resolution Opposing The Boring Company Tunnel Project
Resolution RS2025-1712 opposing The Boring Company's proposed Music City Loop tunnels within Nashville, citing lack of transparency, inadequate community engagement, and labor/safety concerns. The substitute version removed the word 'condemns' and replaced it with 'opposes.'
Buchanan Street Commercial Compatibility Overlay (21st Ave N to I-65)
Ordinance BL2025-1168 applying commercial compatibility overlay district to properties on Buchanan Street between 21st Avenue North and Interstate 65, covering 15.78 acres. Includes restrictions on proximity of high-impact commercial businesses to residential homes.
Buchanan Street Commercial Compatibility Overlay (24th Ave N to 21st Ave N)
Ordinance BL2025-1169 applying commercial compatibility overlay to properties on Buchanan Street between 24th Avenue North and 21st Avenue North, covering 5.61 acres.
East Bend Downtown Code Text Amendment
Ordinance BL2026-1273 amending title 17 to make changes to the downtown code (DTC) creating East Bend subdistrict for the former scrapyard site east of Korean Veterans Boulevard. Passed on second reading as substituted.
East Bend Rezoning from IG to DTC
Ordinance BL2026-1284 rezoning 40.96 acres east of Korean Veterans Boulevard and south of Sylvan Street from IG (industrial) to DTC (downtown code) zoning for the former scrapyard redevelopment.
West Campbell Road Rezoning for 36 Residential Units
Ordinance BL2026-1275 and companion BL2026-1276 changing zoning from RS20 to SP for 12.91 acres on West Campbell Road to permit 17 single family lots and 19 multifamily residential units (detached cottages).
Rules Amendment for Emergency Filing Deadlines
Amendment to Rule 13.4 allowing council members to file nonbinding resolutions during declared states of emergency without vice mayor approval.
Tree Canopy Restoration Fund Amendment
Ordinance BL2026-1287 amending chapter 5.11 to provide flexibility in funding sources for restoring and maintaining Nashville's tree canopy.
Water and Sewer Bill Credit for Winter Storm
Ordinance BL2026-1294 authorizing one-time bill credit to water and sewer users as result of January 2026 winter storm.
Withdrawal of 30 NDOT Contracts
Agenda items 92-121 (ordinances BL2026-1206 through related contracts) were withdrawn. These were seven-year contracts (3+4 one-year extensions) that will instead be executed as three-year contracts with one-year extensions, with additional reporting and NACTO standards to be applied.
NECAT Transfer to Nashville Public Library
Ordinance BL2026-1253 amending chapter 6.08 to allow Nashville Public Library to assume operations of Nashville Education Community and Arts Television Corporation (NECAT).
Zoning Changes (25)
Buchanan Street between 21st Avenue North and Interstate 65
Council member Brandon Taylor
Buchanan Street between 24th Avenue North and 21st Avenue North
Council member Brandon Taylor
East of Korean Veterans Boulevard and South of Sylvan Street (East Bend)
Council member Jacob Coopin
West Campbell Road north of Akin Parkway
Council member Jennifer Gamble
1905 and 1907 Ashton Avenue
Council member Kimbrough
513 and 525 Merritt Avenue, 1300 and 1312 Martin Street, 548 Hamilton Avenue
Council members Voe and Horton
408 Donaldson Pike
Council member Greg
Various properties along Rolland Road
Council member Gadd
1704 River Drive
Council member Kimbrough
228 and 230 Alberta Street
Council member Welsh
1004 and 1104 Cass Street
Council member Toombs
4046 and 4060 Murfreesboro Pike
Council member Harel
307 Joyner Avenue
Council member Welsh
Various properties on Fern Avenue and Elmhurst Avenue
Council member Toombs
1085 Zofi Street
Council member Parker
505 Patterson Street
Council member Welsh
50 Vantage Way
Council member Toombs
1106 West Grove Avenue
Council members Voe and Horton
524 High Street
Council members Welsh and Styles
253 Leon Loop
Council members Voe and Horton
109 Alberta Street
Council member Welsh
2003 Straightway Avenue
Council member Benedict
1900 Ackland Avenue
Council member Cash
Hobson Pike northeast of Hamilton Church Road
Council member Harel
4206 Hermitage Road
Council member Eastlake
Development Activity (7)
East Bend (Former Scrapyard Redevelopment)
40.96 acres rezoned from IG to DTC. Proposed family-oriented neighborhood with 40% of central riverfront as open space, 75-foot river walk, two 50-foot green corridors, public access easements. Multiple parcels proposed at 40+ stories. Project includes retail, residential, and public amenities.
West Campbell Road Residential Development
12.91 acres rezoned from RS20 to SP for 17 single family lots and 19 detached cottage multifamily units (36 total units). Reduced from original 55 units. Three acres of green space preserved.
Buchanan Street Mixed Use (228-230 Alberta Street)
0.56 acres rezoned from RS5 to SP for five multifamily residential units. Two-story buildings, no short-term rentals, trees preserved along Burbank Avenue frontage.
Cass Street Multifamily
0.38 acres rezoned from R6 to SP for eight multifamily residential units.
Straightway Avenue Multifamily
1.83 acres rezoned from R6 to SP for 36 multifamily residential units.
Hobson Pike Mixed Use
5.94 acres rezoned from RS10 to SP for mixed use development including retail and single family attached residential. Traffic study conducted by KCI Technologies.
KIPP Nashville Global Mall Site
Construction work associated with redevelopment of global mall site for educational facility.
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
Council approved multiple residential rezonings including 36 units on West Campbell Road and 36 units on Straightway Avenue, indicating continued demand for attainable housing options.
Commercial Demand
East Bend scrapyard redevelopment advancing with 40.96 acres rezoned for mixed-use downtown code development, representing major transformation of industrial land to urban neighborhood.
Sentiment
Significant community opposition to density increases in established suburban neighborhoods, with West Campbell Road rezoning passing 24-4 despite organized resident opposition.
Infrastructure
30 NDOT contracts withdrawn and will be resubmitted with additional reporting requirements and NACTO standards, indicating increased scrutiny of transportation infrastructure agreements.
Sentiment
Council passed resolution opposing The Boring Company tunnel project 20-15, citing transparency concerns and labor practices, signaling resistance to state-driven infrastructure projects.
Housing Demand
Commercial compatibility overlays on Buchanan Street restrict check cashing, vape shops, and liquor store clustering while allowing residential and neighborhood commercial uses to continue.