RCWA meeting re: storm buffer for new MNPD precinct Monday (March 1)

Please see below from the Richland Creek Watershed Alliance regarding an important meeting on Monday, March 1, at 5:30 p.m.

Last week Metro posted a stream buffer variance request notice on the property that Metro recently purchased for the upcoming West Nashville Police precinct and crime lab.

The property is located at 5500 Charlotte Avenue (Old Champion Ford, Frensley), and it's eastern border is Richland Creek. You may also remember this property was included into the proposed bird watching and commemorative James Park, during the West Nashville public visioning and planning process.  James Park did not make it through the planning process but RCWA was assured the stream buffer would be fully restored. 

RCWA received numerous emails objecting to the variance request last week.

Our councilman, Jason Holleman, has contacted RCWA this week to host a meeting to discuss this variance request with RCWA supporters, in which the engineer hired for the Metro redevelopment project also will be present.

This meeting for the stream buffer variance request will be held Monday, 5:30 p.m. at the library room of the Cohn school- 4805 Park Avenue. Metro city ordinance calls for properties, who are grandfathered-in with no stream buffers, be fully restored when they are significantly redeveloped.  At this location a 75 foot stream buffer is required.

Please come to the meeting with your questions about this variance request to not fully restore the stream buffer.

Metro Historical Commission award nominations now open

From the Metro Historical Commission:

The Metropolitan Historical Commission is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the 2010 Preservation Awards.  Historic residential neighborhoods have produced a large number of past nominees and award winners, and we look forward to recognizing excellent rehabilitation work again this year.

The MHC is now accepting nominations for our 35th awards program.  The public is invited to submit any building or structure in Davidson County, built before 1960, that has been restored, rehabilitated, or carefully maintained over time.

Categories for nominations include: residential (single-family and multi-family), commercial buildings, religious properties, engineering and industrial structures, educational and institutional and infill (new construction located within a context of historic architecture).

Nominations will be judged on their architectural merit and/or historical interest, soundness of condition, creativity in adaptation for contemporary use, and sensitivity to historic architectural character.  Winners receive an awards certificate and plaque to display on the winning properties.  All nominated properties will be featured in an awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 11, where the winners will be announced.  

Nomination forms are available through the Metropolitan Historical Commission Web site or by calling the Metropolitan Historical Commission at (615) 862-7970.  Completed forms are due Friday, April 2.

SPNA Neighborhood Happy Hour Friday (Feb. 26)

SPNA will host its very first Neighborhood Happy Hour on Friday, Feb. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the home of Jason and Margaret Holleman (4210 Park Avenue). This will be a quarterly opportunity to get to know your neighbors better, and we're anticipating a big crowd and a fun evening. Beverages and light snacks will be provided.

This event is free, and everyone in the neighborhood is invited to attend. Please mark your calendars and join us. See you there!

WEMS to hold first-ever chili cook-off this Friday (Feb. 26)

West End Middle School will hold its first-ever chili cook-off on Friday, February 26. Dining and judging will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and the cook-off winners will be announced at 6:45 p.m. A bake sale will also be held as part of the event, so save room for dessert.

Tickets for the event, which are available for purchase on the WEMS Web site, are $10 per person with a maximum price of $30 for families with three members or more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the school, which is raising funds to build an outdoor classroom and learning center.

When you've had enough chili and dessert for one evening, be sure to stop by the SPNA Neighborhood Happy Hour, too. See you Friday!

Second residential burglary reported on Woodlawn Drive

The Metro Nashville Police Department is reporting that a residential burglary took place on the 4400 block of Westlawn Drive at some point between February 9 and 14. The thief forced open the door to the home and took a guitar and a TV. This was the second residential burglary reported on the street within three weeks following a burglary on the 4100 block on January 25. As always, please report criminal or suspicious activity to the police at (615) 862-8600.

West Nashville community coalition meeting Wednesday (Feb. 17)

The next West Nashville community coalition meeting will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, February 17) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at West Nashville United Methodist Church (4710 Charlotte Avenue). The event is free, and the public is invited to attend.

Two detectives from the Metro Nashville Police Department's gang unit will give a presentation about their work and answer questions.

The meeting is the latest in a series of meetings intended to foster communication and collaboration among neighborhood organizations, residents, law enforcement and business owners regarding issues facing the local community. For more information, email Sherry Cothran at sdcothran@gmail.com.

Latest SPNA newsletter now online

The latest edition of the SPNA newsletter is now available online. Issues will be distributed to homes throughout the neighborhood over the next several days.

SPNA monthly meeting tonight (Feb. 8)

SPNA will hold its monthly meeting tonight (Monday, February 8), at 7 p.m. in the basement of the Cohn Adult Learning Center at the intersection of 48th and Park Avenues. Hope to see you there!

SPNA Neighborhood Happy Hour Feb. 26

SPNA will host its very first Neighborhood Happy Hour on Friday, Feb. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the home of Jason and Margaret Holleman (4210 Park Avenue). This will be a quarterly opportunity to get to know your neighbors better, and we're anticipating a big crowd and a fun evening. Beverages and light snacks will be provided.

This event is free, and everyone in the neighborhood is invited to attend. Please mark your calendars and join us. See you there!

Residential burglary reported on Westlawn Drive

The Metro Nashville Police Department is reporting that a residential burglary took place on January 25 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on the 4100 block of Westlawn Drive. The back window of the property was kicked in. As always, please report criminal or suspicious activity to the police at (615) 862-8600.