Community Meeting Minutes - April 8, 2025

Written By Salemtown Neighbors

Community Meeting Minutes - April 8, 2025
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Morgan Park Recreation Center, 411 Hume St

Attendees:

  • Erin Williams, Director, HUB Nashville

  • Jordan Wilkins, Special Projects Assistant, Office of the Mayor

  • Max Caskie, Office of Councilman Jacob Kupin

  • Salemtown Board Members (Cindy Edwards, Derek Lisle, Crystal Day)

  • Community members

 

Agenda Items and Discussion:

  1. HUB Nashville Overview

    • Erin Williams shared that HUB Nashville receives 25,000 requests a month.

    • The platform offers two ways to submit requests: via the search bar or by typing a description if you’re unsure of the exact category.

    • For ongoing issues, Erin is actively following up to ensure responses.

    • Website: hub.nashville.gov

    • Specific issues like potholes are addressed within 24 hours, while more complex matters, like codes violations, can take up to a year.

    • Action: For trash complaints, residents can file directly, or reach out to Erin if issues persist. Email: erin.williams@nashville.gov

    • Beautification Department: Tasked with addressing repeat illegal dumping offenders.

  2. Neighborhood Issues

    • Wires: Concerns raised about hanging wires. Erin clarified that it’s a mix of private and public sector responsibility. The issue is being handled in partnership with NDOT and will continue to be followed up on by Max from Councilman Kupin’s office.

    • Traffic Calming Measures:

      • Approval for Garfield from Rosa to 3rd Ave. Details on the exact plan are pending.

      • Jacob Kupin’s office is also working on additional traffic calming efforts around the dog park and along 3rd Ave.

    • Van Buren Area: Potholes and flooding remain persistent issues. Residents are encouraged to submit to HUB Nashville.

  3. Safety and Law Enforcement

    • The Mission Meeting Update:

      • Cindy gave an update on efforts by the Central and North Precincts to add 18 officers, with some assigned to the area around The Mission

      • The focus is on loitering, harassment, and drug-related issues. Code enforcement is also reviewing violations.

      • A health center is being planned to reduce 911 calls and address mental health concerns

      • Additional Measures: Extra police cameras installed near 7th and Garfield and around The Mission.

      • Action: Report need for additional lighting to HUB Nashville particularly on 7th between Garfield and Buchanan.

    • Neighborhood Safety:

      • A safety survey will be distributed on Thursday.

      • Residents are encouraged to report incidents, particularly larceny (notably at Walgreens in Germantown), and to avoid direct intervention.

      • Submit reports on vacant, abandoned homes to HUB Nashville for action.

  4. Upcoming Events and Initiatives

    • Neighborhood Cleanups:

      • Monthly cleanups will occur the 1st Saturday of each month at 5th and Buchanan, with May 1st focusing on alley cleanups.

      • Germantown/Salemtown Cleanup: Rescheduled to May 17th.

      • Volunteers are encouraged to use HUB Nashville for reporting broken trash cans or any trash related issues for mosquito prevention for summer.

    • Landscaping Days: Residents are invited to participate in future landscaping efforts.

  5. Social Updates

    • Crystal:

      • Pink Flamingo Kick Off – April 17 at Sonny’s (5pm-7pm) Free appetizers, happy hour drinks, dog and family friendly

      • Pink Flamingo’s will continue every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm until the end of May

      • Summer Kick Off – May 29th – 5pm – 8pm at Bearded Iris. Free beer, food trucks, games, and dog and family friendly.

  6. Community Development Updates

    • Update on 5th and Buchanan: 

      1. Basket Case- Resident Gabby Raven presented the development of a new café and grocer, modeled after Turnip Truck. They are 75% of the way to their fundraising goal. A potential wine bar is also in the works there. If you or someone you know may be interested in investing, please contact gabby@bcgrocer.com.

      2. Cultivar Restaurant and Bar is set to open late summer

  7. Councilman Kupin’s Office Update

    • Traffic Enforcement:

      • Traffic enforcement has seen significant improvements: North Precinct enforcement is up 70%, and Central Precinct has seen a 130% increase since 2019.

    • April 15th Town Hall: A Zoom town hall will be held to discuss property assessments.

    • Old Tent City Closure: Plans to close Tent City are in motion, with housing options provided to all former residents.

    • Smith Lane Rd Focus: Attention will be turned to other homeless camps for future improvements.

    • H.G. Hill Center Update: A grocery store is planned for the H.G. Hill Center, specifically a Publix.

 

Meeting Adjourned at 7:30pm.

Next Steps/Action Items:

  • Follow up on wire issues (Erin & Max).

  • Encourage participation in safety surveys and neighborhood cleanups.

  • Continue working on traffic calming measures and beautification efforts.

Salemtown Neighbors
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Community Meeting Minutes - June 3, 2025