Planning & Zoning committee approves consent agenda, accepts donated landfill parcel for remediation and adopts tree-inspection amendment

NASHVILLE — The Planning & Zoning Committee of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County on Feb. 18 approved a multi-item consent agenda, accepted a donated parcel formerly used as a landfill with plans for remediation and a future convenience center in West Nashville, deferred one greenway easement item for one meeting and voted to amend the city’s tree ordinance to clarify who may perform tree-related inspections.

The consent agenda included multiple resolutions and ordinances to accept public water, sewer and fire-hydrant infrastructure, approve greenway conservation easements and several zoning- and property-related ordinances. The committee approved the consent items by voice vote with no recorded roll call.

Why it matters: Committee members said accepting the parcel at 0 Old Hickory Boulevard gives Metro the authority and responsibility to pursue remediation of an older landfill site and to plan a West Nashville convenience center residents have sought for years. Committee members also said clearer staff definitions in the tree ordinance will help ensure inspections and post-construction actions are performed by qualified personnel.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (listed resolutions and bills read into the record, including RS 20 25 10 49; RS 20 25 10 50; RS 20 25 10 51; RS 20 25 10 52; RS 20 25 10 53; BL 20 25 707; BL 20 25 708; BL 20 25 709; BL 20 25 710; BL 20 25 711; and several third-reading zoning bills including BL 20 24 681–686): Approved on consent, voice vote; no recorded tally.

- BL 20 25 706 (Greenway conservation easements with Rogers Group Inc., 0 Gwenwood Drive): Deferred one meeting at the request of Metro Parks because an exhibit for one parcel was missing.

- BL 20 25 709 (donation/adoption agreement for parcel at 0 Old Hickory Boulevard, Parcel 1280018100; authorizing acceptance of donation by quitclaim deed): Approved, voice vote; no recorded tally.

- BL 20 24 687 (amendments to Chapter 17.04 and 17.28.065 pertaining to trees): Amendment adopted clarifying “applicable staff” and the bill moved as amended; approved, voice vote; no recorded tally.

Committee discussion and key details

Parcel at 0 Old Hickory Boulevard (BL 20 25 709)

Sponsor Council Member Freddie Wiener asked staff to explain the benefit of accepting the parcel and whether the site is an active landfill.

Sharon Smith, who identified herself as staff from solid-waste services, said Metro owned the property in the 1970s, later sold it, and that the property passed through multiple owners before being designated residential. "The reason that we are in the process of purchasing this landfill is that this is a landfill that, Metro Public Works, which is us, owned back in the seventies, and it was sold to a private individual," Smith said. She told the committee the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation informed Metro there were environmental issues and that Metro could be held jointly liable, prompting the city’s efforts to acquire the parcel so Metro can manage remediation.

Smith said the long-term plan is to build a convenience center in West Nashville. "When that's done, then we're gonna be able to build a convenience center for the convenience of the residents in West Nashville," she said, noting most existing convenience centers are on the east side of Davidson County.

Wiener, a sponsor of the bill, described the property’s condition from ground level: "While this is absolutely stunning property from above, once you get a ground level, it's not a place that's fit for habitation of anything," Wiener said. He added the parcel could be used for sustainability education and a convenient recycling center for West Nashville residents.

Committee member questions and outcome

Council Member Cortez asked whether the landfill is still in use and what remediation costs might be; staff indicated the site is an older landfill that does not meet modern Subtitle D standards and that remediation would be required but did not provide a cost estimate during the meeting. The committee approved the donation and acceptance of the parcel by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded.

Deferral of greenway easement item (BL 20 25 706)

A parks representative explained one exhibit for a two-parcel easement packet was omitted from the meeting packet, and the sponsor asked to defer the item one meeting so an amendment could be added. The committee voted to defer the item for one meeting.

Tree ordinance amendment (BL 20 24 687)

Council Member Allen presented an amendment that defines "applicable staff" for certain tree-inspection and post-construction removal authorities. "So it just says that the applicable staff is either the urban forester, which is who used to do all of these tasks or staff designated by the urban forester," Allen said. Members said the clarification will ensure that personnel carrying out tree inspections have appropriate qualifications. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill as amended.

Process and next steps

Most items were approved by voice vote on consent; the record does not include a roll-call tally. The committee deferred BL 20 25 706 for one meeting and approved BL 20 25 709 (parcel donation) and BL 20 24 687 (tree ordinance amendment). Committee members noted follow-up work: Metro staff will continue remediation planning for the Old Hickory Boulevard parcel and parks staff will supply the missing exhibit before the next meeting on the deferred greenway easement.

The Planning & Zoning Committee concluded its meeting and announced a forthcoming joint Planning & Zoning and Budget & Finance meeting to discuss capital improvements budget prioritization results.