Community Meeting Minutes - September 23, 2025

Written By Salemtown Neighbors

Community Meeting Minutes – September 23, 2025
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Sonny's Patio Pub and Refuge, 1322 6th Ave N (Virtual + Recorded)

Upcoming Events:

October 2: Pink Flamingo Sip & Stroll

October 23: Halloween Pooch Party

Follow on social: @salemtownneighbors

Agenda:

Welcome & Introductions:

  • Cindy Edwards opened the meeting, introduced board members, and welcomed NDOT representatives Amy Birch & Jordan Lipsey.

NDOT Presentation – Traffic Calming on Garfield Street:

  • Program Overview: Traffic calming aims to reduce speeds and improve pedestrian safety as part of Vision Zero.

  • Garfield Data: 85th percentile speed = 32 mph; ~3,500 cars/day; sidewalks, bikeway, and parking on both sides.

  • Proposed Plan: Install speed cushions between Rosa Parks and 5th Ave (spaced 300–600 ft).

  • Resident Feedback:

    • Stop signs at 4th & 5th often ignored; request for additional cushion between 4th & 5th.

    • Concerns about traffic diverting to 3rd & 4th.

    • Calls for marked crosswalks at 6th & Garfield.

  • Ballot Process: Only residents with property on Garfield receive ballots; 66% approval required to move forward.

  • Funding: Program funded through NDOT’s capital budget; 25 streets selected twice a year.

Contact: NashvilleDOTTrafficCalming@nashville.gov

Website: engage.nashville.gov/trafficcalming

Salemtown Updates:

  • By-Laws (presented by Neale Bedrock): Updates include conflict of interest section, indemnification, registered agents, membership rights, and succession planning if president leaves office.

  • 2026 Elections: Nominations due Oct 31 for VP, Secretary, and Member-at-Large; voting in December.

  • Light Up Salemtown: $50 local gift card raffle; submit NES pole numbers with photos on the Salemtown website.

  • Beautification: Cleanup rescheduled due to Oktoberfest 5K; collaboration with Fehr School continues.

  • Friends of Morgan Park: New community group forming, meeting in Oct/Nov to discuss improvements.

Neighborhood Concerns:

  • Cement Plant: Ongoing noise, truck traffic, and humming; residents encouraged to file complaints through website and submit videos. Concern that operations may increase.

  • 3rd Avenue Traffic: Cement trucks speeding; NDOT reviewing strategy.

  • Parking: Exploring 2-hour and residential parking options for 7th Ave. Petition process requires block-level support. Contact Board members through website if neighbors want to proceed.

  • Safety: Stop sign at 5th & Garfield destroyed in accident; replacement decorative signs ($2,500) must be privately funded.

Town Hall / Safety Follow-Up:

  • Ongoing discussions with Mission regarding private security.

  • Outreach Committee seeking volunteers (vpsnna@gmail.com).

  • Residents encouraged to submit suspicious activity (door checks, trespassing, etc.) to the North Precinct.

  • Update on affordable housing bill addressing building height/zoning.

Action Items:

  • Watch for Garfield Street traffic calming ballot.

  • Report traffic, noise, and safety issues through Hub Nashville.

  • Participate in by-law updates and 2026 elections.

  • Join community committees and events.

Attendees:

  • Cindy Edwards, President, Salemtown Neighbors

  • Crystal Day, Vice President, Salemtown Neighbors

  • Derek Lisle, Board Member, Salemtown Neighbors

  • Neale Bedrock, Salemtown Neighbors

  • Amy Birch, NDOT Traffic Consultant

  • Jordan Lipsey, NDOT Engineer

  • Councilman Jacob Kupin (District 19 – via updates)

  • Community Members

Salemtown Neighbors
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9/15 Town Hall Recap