Community Meeting Minutes - September 17, 2026
Community Meeting Minutes - September 17, 2026
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Emmy Squared
District 19 Update from Councilman Jacob Kupin
Nashville Rescue Mission
The Nashville Rescue Mission continues to be a topic of conversation in the neighborhood.
The Mission has a new CEO, and Jacob has been sharing community concerns with her.
Traffic & Pedestrian Safety
New legislation is being considered regarding right turns on red.
The proposed changes would apply to school zones and Tier 1 transit corridors.
Jacob noted that pedestrian safety is important, but he does not currently see data supporting the initiative.
Additional meetings are coming up regarding the proposal.
Jacob expressed interest in focusing on safety at greenway crossings.
Oracle / East Bank
Oracle's development is moving forward.
Permits have been pulled and early work is beginning.
Construction is expected to begin soon.
The project will connect Neuhoff with the East Bank.
Tourism Development Zone
There are ongoing conversations about expanding the Tourism Development Zone beyond the current area around Music City Center.
Jacob is advocating for improved pedestrian safety at the Jefferson Street crossing.
River Crossing / Gondola Concept
There have been discussions about a potential gondola or cable car system connecting areas across the river.
Neighborhood Development Questions
Construction outside Pelato / Christie's Cookies site: A resident asked how long the construction is expected to last. Jacob did not have an answer but will look into it.
Legacy funding for businesses: A resident asked about the parameters for legacy funding for long-standing businesses. Jacob is still gathering details. He recently attended a conference in Toronto where tax-rate incentives for businesses were discussed and is looking into similar possibilities.
6th & Garfield: A resident asked about the large property at 6th Avenue and Garfield Avenue. The property is owned by MDHA.
3rd Avenue safety: A resident raised concerns about a blind spot when turning onto 3rd Avenue. The area is being considered in a study, although the previous study was dropped. The road is currently classified as a major corridor, and there was discussion about whether its status should be changed. Overgrown landscaping can make the blind corner particularly difficult to navigate. A resident also asked whether delivery vehicles could be encouraged to use alleys.
Vista Germantown / Little Hats property: A resident asked about the large parcel between Vista Germantown and Little Hats. The property had previously been planned for a Publix and mixed-use development and is currently in a holding pattern. The property is owned by H.G. Hill.
7th Avenue traffic: A resident asked about speeding on 7th Avenue near a church at 7th and Monroe, noting that the priest would like to see speed bumps installed. The Germantown Neighborhood Association has been active in advocating for neighborhood safety improvements and working with NDOT.
Additional questions can be directed to Jacob (jacob.kupin@nashville.gov) and his team (team@jacobkupin.com).
Beautification Committee: Derek Lisle
Tree Planting
Metro Water oversees tree planting in public spaces.
A plan is currently being developed to plant additional trees throughout the neighborhood.
Trees will be planted in public spaces rather than on private property.
Residents may see markings in front of their homes as potential planting locations are identified.
Picnic for the Parks
Picnic for the Parks is taking place Saturday evening.
Hosted by the Nashville Parks Foundation.
Tickets are $75 and include an open bar.
Ticket sales end tonight.
Half of the proceeds will benefit Morgan Park.
The goal is to raise approximately $20,000–$30,000 for the park.
Neighborhood Cleanups
The neighborhood has had difficulty maintaining cleanup efforts during the summer.
Residents are encouraged to attend Germantown’s monthly cleanups that meet at Morgan Park.
Additional information about upcoming Salemtown cleanups will be shared with residents.
Metro Water / Odor & Equipment Updates
Metro Water is working on a process to capture methane and sell it into the natural gas pipeline.
SNA has reached out regarding potential neighborhood impacts.
Metro Water has indicated that the project should not result in additional odors.
The pump currently creates significant noise.
A compressor upgrade is expected to address the noise issue.
Inspiritus
A resident asked about the completion date for Inspiritus.
Final walk-throughs are expected to take place within the next month or so.
Nashville Rescue Mission
The Mission has several volunteer opportunities available.
Volunteer opportunities include teaching, job preparedness, and other needs.
Residents interested in getting involved may find volunteering to be a useful community activity.
Nashville Rescue Mission Update: Cindy Edwards
Cindy works extensively with the Nashville Rescue Mission.
An Incident Report Form is available on the SNA website for residents to report and document incidents in the neighborhood.
Since SNA began tracking incidents in March, approximately 50 incidents have been reported.
SNA has also received a quote for private, unarmed security.
The Mission has many volunteer opportunities available, including teaching and job preparedness programs.
Social Events: Holly Ragsdale (Standing in for Crystal Day)
Sip 'n Stroll
Thursday, September 24 | 5:30–8 p.m.
Residents can pick up a Sip 'n Stroll passport at the starting location.
Passports can be stamped at each stop for a chance to win gift cards.
The event is BYOB, with drinks and snacks also available along the way.
Halloween Party
Thursday, October 29 | Bearded Iris | 5:30–8 p.m.
Costume contest
Trunk-or-treating for children
Free beer for Salemtown members
Cars will be parked on site for trunk-or-treating.
Volunteers will be needed to help with the event.
More details will be shared as the event approaches.
Salemtown Guitar & Art Festival
Saturday, November 14 | Guitar Build Workshop | 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
The festival will take place at the Guitar Shop.
Free for vendors and the public.
Residents interested in becoming a vendor can contact Lance at acremanguitars@gmail.com.
Members-Only Christmas Party
December
More details to come.
Residents are encouraged to stay up to date through SNA emails and social media for additional event information.
Salemtown Neighbors Facebook Group
SNA has created a Facebook group for Salemtown residents.
The goal is to provide a space for neighbors to communicate with one another and have more of a back-and-forth conversation, rather than functioning solely as a page where SNA posts announcements.
Information about joining the group will be included in an upcoming email.
Residents are encouraged to join and use the group to stay connected with neighbors.
Attendees
Cindy Edwards
Derek Lisle
Holly Ragsdale
Jacob Kupin
Community Members
