The Metro Historic Zoning Commission voted to recommend a conservation zoning overlay for the Marlin Meadows neighborhood after hearing a staff presentation, a neighborhood history report and public comment.

The recommendation came after Robbie Jones, a neighborhood historian and professional preservation planner, summarized his research into Marlin Meadows' midcentury development and argued the area's architecture and landscape "tell the story" of postwar housing patterns in Nashville. Council Member Tanya Hancock spoke in support and said she had been working with the neighborhood for more than a year; several residents spoke both for and against the overlay. Commissioner Tom Price moved to approve the staff recommendation; the motion passed with one recorded opposition by Commissioner Smith.

The commission heard that Marlin Meadows was developed in the 1950s on Neely's Bend and includes primarily brick ranch and midcentury houses on half- to one-acre lots. Jones told commissioners he had compiled a neighborhood history packet and said the conservation overlay would give residents a tool to address tear-downs and incompatible additions. He also told the panel he had checked questions about insurance and taxes with staff, saying "there's no special property taxes" and that he was not aware of home insurance cancellations for properties in overlays.

At public comment, resident Brad Brown said he learned of the hearing only when he received a letter and urged denial, saying the overlay would unduly restrict homeowner rights. Other residents, including Ken Johnson and Mark Wayman, said they supported the overlay to protect the neighborhood's character. Council Member Hancock told the commission she had held repeated meetings with neighbors since early 2024 and that the neighborhood preferred a conservation overlay over a stricter historic overlay.

Staff recommended approval of both the conservation overlay and the design guidelines. Commissioners discussed standards for designation, the number of neighborhood meetings and how the overlay would be administered. One commissioner said he was "having a hard time" finding the district met some of the professional criteria for historic designation but acknowledged the historic pattern argument offered by staff. Vice Chair Stewart and others said the commission's role is to evaluate whether the application meets the ordinance standards and to forward a recommendation to Metro Council, which makes the final decision.

Commissioner Price moved for approval of the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Beth Kache. The commission recorded one formal opposition by Commissioner Smith; the motion passed and the commission will forward its recommendation to Metro Council. Planning staff noted the Planning Commission review has been requested to be delayed until April 24 to allow the Planning Department to account for upcoming housing and infrastructure reports.

The commission closed the public hearing after receiving four letters that were posted online and distributed to commissioners.

Looking ahead, Council Member Tanya Hancock told the commission she expects a public hearing on council regarding related legislation and said she would continue to meet with residents.

Sources: staff presentation and neighborhood history presented at the Metro Historic Zoning Commission hearing; public comment transcripts.