Community Meeting Minutes - March 5, 2026

Community Meeting Minutes – March 5, 2026
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Sonny’s Patio Pub & Refuge

Metro Police Update

Commander Bowers (B Detail Lieutenant – 3:00 p.m.–1:30 a.m.)

Reported Incidents

• January 2026: 4 incidents

• 1 street robbery

• 3 porch piracy thefts

• February 2026: 2 incidents

• 1 car theft

• 1 aggravated assault

Additional Updates

• Since last summer, MNPD has been focusing additional attention on the Salemtown/Germantown area.

• Approximately 600 additional patrols have been conducted in the neighborhood.

• The police camera at 7th & Garfield is currently being repaired.

• A working group with the Mayor’s Office, including Jacob Kupin and Cindy Edwards, meets every other month to discuss solutions for issues affecting the area.

District 19 Update

Councilman Jacob Kupin

Public Safety

• Package theft has significantly decreased in the neighborhood.

Metro Departments

• New department leaders:

• Emily Lamb – Director of Metro Codes

• Phillip Jones – Director

• Ricky Rooker – Assistant Director

Downtown Code / East Bank Planning

• East Bank planning is currently moving through the council approval process.

• Plans must go through several reviews and committees before approval.

• Salemtown and surrounding neighborhoods will have the opportunity to review and provide input.

• The goal is to create development guidelines so future projects better fit the character of the neighborhood.

The Boring Company

• Councilman Kupin voted against the resolution, citing concerns about partnership and transparency.

Homeless Services

• At Cement Plant Road, 8–10 individuals have received permanent housing and resources.

• Residents nearby have reported disruptive loud noise coming from the area.

Infrastructure & Development

• Oracle has begun site preparation on its campus.

• Smart traffic lights were recently approved for downtown and surrounding areas.

Questions can be directed to: jacob.kupin@nashville.gov

Inspiritus Senior Housing Development

Janet Arning

About Inspiritus

• Organization founded in 1927 in East Tennessee.

• The Salemtown project will include 80 affordable housing units for seniors.

• Target opening: October 2026.

Building Features

• Community pantry

• Art studio

• Raised-bed gardens

• Educational programming

• Community gathering spaces

Programs Being Considered

• Community meals

• Art therapy and music therapy programs

• Partnerships with nearby youth programs (including Randy Rogers)

• Digital literacy classes

• Financial literacy resources

• Employment support and resume/interview assistance

Resident Eligibility

• Residents must be 62+

• Units are studio and one-bedroom apartments

• Some residents may include a spouse or child in the household

• Housing portion managed by Freeman Webb

• Units targeted at 50% AMI (Area Median Income) households

Volunteer Opportunities

• Inspiritus operates a food pantry behind Kroger, serving about 700 families per month.

• Volunteers are welcome to help assemble food boxes.

Community Survey Overview

Approximately 30 residents responded to the neighborhood survey.

Highlights

• Residents generally feel safe in the neighborhood.

• Pink Flamingos are widely liked.

Barriers to Participation

• Scheduling and timing conflicts.

Motivations for Getting Involved

• Meeting neighbors

• Beautifying the neighborhood

Primary Concerns

• Poor lighting

• Crime, theft, and vandalism

Neighborhood Priorities

• Alley cleanliness and maintenance

• Neighborhood events and social connection

• Safety improvements, especially along Rosa Parks Blvd.

Suggestions from Residents

• More family-friendly events

• Google Fiber access

• Beautification near Mission / Inspiritus

• Improved lighting and safety infrastructure

Planned Responses

• Light Up Salemtown Campaign

• Residents can submit the number on a utility pole where they would like a light installed.

• The association works with NES to install lighting.

• 20 lights were installed last year.

• Dedicated Alley Cleanups

• Upcoming cleanups will focus specifically on alleyways.

• Continued coordination with Commander Bowers regarding patrols.

Survey slides will be posted on the neighborhood website.

Membership & Treasurer Update

Brad Snider

• Residents are encouraged to renew their membership on the SNA website.

• Recurring memberships can be set up and run on an annual cycle.

• The association’s goal is to reach 100 members this year.

• Members-only events will continue throughout the year.

Communications Committee

Holly Ragsdale

A new Communications Committee is forming to assist with:

• Social media

• Email communications

• Website updates

Residents interested in helping are encouraged to volunteer.

Additional updates:

• A shared Google Calendar is available for neighborhood events and can be added to personal calendars.

• An Incident Report Form has been created for residents to report suspicious or unusual activity so the association can track patterns and share data when needed.

Beautification Committee

Derek Lisle

Current Projects

• Hume Street improvements are underway.

Neighborhood Cleanups

• March 21: First cleanup of the year

• Meet at the I Love Salemtown mural

• Food, coffee, and mimosas provided

• Supplies provided

• Monthly cleanups will typically occur Saturdays around 10 a.m. (possibly earlier in summer heat).

Reporting Neighborhood Issues

• Residents are encouraged to use hubNashville.

• If an issue is marked completed but hasn't actually been resolved, residents can contact SNA to help follow up.

New Initiatives

• Dog waste bag dispensers will be installed around the neighborhood.

• Residents can suggest locations for new dispensers.

Morgan Park

• Efforts underway to create a Friends of Morgan Park group.

• A community meeting in early April will invite Germantown and Salemtown residents to share ideas for park improvements.

• A community garden program is also being planned.

Outreach Committee

Brad Snider

• The committee recently met with The Nashville Rescue Mission to build relationships and discuss community concerns.

• The meeting was productive and focused on identifying solutions.

• The new Incident Response Form was created as part of this effort.

This year is being viewed as a “bridge year” — focused on building relationships and maintaining constructive dialogue with organizations in the area.

Social Events

Crystal Day

Upcoming neighborhood events include:

• Neighborhood Cleanup Social
  March 21 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
  Under the I Love Salemtown mural

• Spring Fling at Sonny’s
  April 16

• Pink Flamingo Season
  April 23 – May 21
  5–7 p.m.

• Nashville Marathon Gathering
  April 25
  Neighborhood cheering station with bananas, oranges, coffee, and mimosas

• Summer Kickoff at Bearded Iris
  May 28
  Free beer provided up to a certain amount

• Summer Workshops (June–August)
  Member-focused classes (candles, food, etc.) with RSVP

• Sip & Stroll
  September – visit three neighborhood homes

• Halloween Event
  October

• Members-Only Christmas Party
  December

A Facebook group for Salemtown neighbors is also in the works.

Neighborhood Business Update

Basket Case Cafe & Grocer
Gabby Muirhead - Owner

• New café and practical neighborhood grocer opening at 5th & Buchanan.

• Will offer casual food for grab-and-go or sit-down dining.

• Community members are encouraged to send suggestions for products or menu items they’d like to see.

• Planned opening: April 18.

Attendees

• Cindy Edwards, President, Salemtown Neighbors

• Crystal Day, Vice President, Salemtown Neighbors

• Derek Lisle, Member-at-Large, Salemtown Neighbors

• Brad Snider, Treasurer, Salemtown Neighbors

• Holly Ragsdale, Secretary, Salemtown Neighbors

• Councilman Jacob Kupin (District 19)

• Janet Arning, Inspiritus

• Gabby Muirhead, Basket Case Cafe & Grocer

• Community Members