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Nashville MSD board endorses exploring more trash cans, planters and small beautification projects for downtown
Summary
Board members reviewed ideas from a recent Main Street conference and approved a motion to explore strategically locating additional trash cans across the MSD, while discussing planters, park benches, seasonal flowers, walkability and social-media promotion for downtown businesses.
Board members and downtown business owners spent the bulk of the April 28 meeting discussing ideas to increase downtown foot traffic and improve streetscape appearance. Presenters summarized takeaways from a recent Main Street conference and gave examples of low-cost, short-term projects the MSD could pursue alongside longer-term sidewalk and infrastructure work.
Key decisions and proposals: The board approved a motion to explore strategically locating additional trash cans across the MSD area and to evaluate options for planters and park benches. Members discussed seasonal flowers, coordinated small retail events, a downtown social-media presence, and marketing ideas such as a monthly business spotlight and walkability/mileage markers. The board asked staff to gather pricing and examples for trash cans, benches and planters and to return with recommendations.
Quotes and context: Local business owner Bethany described her downtown women's clothing store and said the businesses already contribute to community needs: “We donated a lot of them to [Nash Community College] … to help graduates with first-interview clothing,” Bethany said, describing in-kind support local retailers provide. Board member Slade, who offered to survey sidewalk safety locations, said he had compiled photographs, an interactive map and an inventory of problematic sidewalk segments and offered that material as a resource to the board.
Several board members pressed for a mix of short-term, visible improvements and longer-term infrastructure fixes. One board member summarized the simple principle driving the trash-can motion: "If your trash cans are overflowing, that means you don't have enough trash cans." Members suggested the MSD could consider aesthetic coverings or wrap-around seasonal designs, enlist local schools or artists to paint cans, and coordinate with downtown businesses to sponsor fixtures.
Some participants urged caution about proposals that could appear to favor particular businesses or property owners. A suggestion to dismantle the MSD structure and spend funds on large beautification projects drew mixed reaction; other conference attendees reported successful MSD districts that use focused taxes and cooperative planning to finance improvements. The group did not vote to dissolve the MSD.
The board directed staff to: - Gather pricing and product examples for trash cans, park benches and planters; include options that are low maintenance and can be refreshed seasonally. - Identify priority locations for additional trash cans and benches (board members Slade and Brian volunteered to suggest locations). - Return with cost estimates and a proposed list of five items the board could fund in the short term.
Ending: The board agreed to follow up on low-cost beautification steps (trash cans, planters, benches, event promotion and social-media outreach) while maintaining sidewalk repair and ADA compliance as a longer-term planning and budget priority. Staff will report back with pricing and suggested priority locations.
