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Committee approves purchase of former Wendy's site for Hadley Park library; neighbor Samaritan Ministries raises relocation concerns
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Committee approved a resolution to buy a half-acre parcel for a new Hadley Park branch of the Nashville Public Library, while a public commenter urged the committee to ensure Samaritan Ministries—an adjacent organization that serves meals to vulnerable residents—can continue operations.
The Planning & Zoning Committee of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County on April 14 approved a resolution to purchase a half‑acre parcel for use in connection with construction of a new Nashville Public Library branch at Hadley Park and discussed community concerns about Samaritan Ministries, which is adjacent to the proposed site.
Public commenter Steve Reiter told the committee that Samaritan Ministries “serve[s] a meal to the vulnerable on a regular basis” and said he was concerned the ministry would be “sandwiched between the existing library and this new piece of property that Metro was acquiring.” Reiter asked the committee to ensure Samaritan Ministries could continue providing services in North Nashville and noted a closing date “for later this month,” suggesting Metro could seek an extension if needed.
Councilmember Greg Porterfield moved approval of RS20251149, the purchase agreement for the parcel listed in the resolution. Metro Legal attorney Tom Cross explained the measure: “the purchase is for construction of a new library. It’s the purchase sale agreement that is the subject of the resolution,” and he said the agreement includes a provision allowing Metro to terminate the agreement if the city is not able to obtain an additional necessary lot.
Councilmember Allen asked what would happen to the property now occupied by the ministry and whether the project would use all three lots in the area; Cross said the project would “be incorporated into this into the project” and later stated, “they are actively looking for another site,” describing Samaritan Ministries’ ongoing search. Allen urged support for contingency language to ensure the ministry “stay[s] in the community.”
The committee voted to approve RS20251149, the purchase-sale agreement for the half‑acre parcel located in the resolution’s caption (listed in the meeting materials as “104520 Eighth Avenue North”), by voice vote; the clerk announced the motion carried 9 in favor, 0 against, 0 not voting.
Nut graf: The approval advances Metro’s plan to build a new Hadley Park library branch while highlighting an immediate local concern—preserving services provided by Samaritan Ministries to vulnerable residents. Committee members and Metro Legal described contract language and contingency options intended to limit disruption, but the organization’s relocation plans remain a key issue for neighborhood stakeholders.
The file approved by the committee contains a termination contingency tied to acquiring an additional adjacent lot; Metro staff and legal said that contingency could be invoked if the related property is not secured. Steve Reiter said he planned to attend the library board meeting to seek more information. The committee did not adopt any motion that would force a specific relocation plan for Samaritan Ministries; instead members recorded that the ministry is “actively looking for another site” and expressed support for minimizing service disruption.
Ending: The resolution moves forward after committee approval; the transcript records Councilmember Porterfield’s sponsorship and Metro Legal’s explanation. The library board was scheduled to meet shortly after the committee; council members asked staff to continue coordination so Samaritan Ministries’ services can continue while the library project proceeds.
