Commission approves paid parking expansion in Music Row after public objections

The Traffic & Parking Commission voted to approve a staff proposal to add a series of on‑street paid parking spaces across the Music Row area, after receiving public comment from musicians, neighborhood representatives and business advocates.

The commission's action, listed as item 7.2 on the agenda, covers multiple streets and blocks within the Music Row zone and converts those curb spaces to the program's "economy" rate bracket. Chair opened the public comment period, and speakers including Jill Moody, director of songwriter relations for the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and Dave Pomeroy, who submitted a petition he said carried 1,804 signatures, urged commissioners to reject or delay paid parking. Moody said free parking has supported historically important songwriter workshops and day‑to‑day music industry activity; Pomeroy said the change would harm Music Row businesses and creatives who rely on street parking.

NDOT staff noted the commission previously approved an economy‑zone approach for Music Row that lowers the maximum price for parking in the area; NDOT representatives described the change as intended to increase turnover and availability while keeping rates lower than many private lots. NDOT also explained enforcement tools (license‑plate recognition, digital citations) and said revenues from the parking program flow into a special fund earmarked for infrastructure improvements.

After discussion addressing residential impacts, loading needs and a request for further outreach to stakeholders, Commissioner 17 moved to approve staff's recommendation; the motion was seconded and the item passed by voice vote.

Next steps: NDOT will implement the changes within the zone as described on the agenda; the commission and staff said they will monitor outcomes and can make adjustments based on observed impacts and follow‑up studies.