NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Neighbors and business owners in North Nashville are speaking out as they push to protect the future of one of the city’s historically Black neighborhoods.
Buchanan Street, or the Buchanan Street Arts District, is known for its rich African American culture and history. The corridor also borders several residential neighborhoods.
A new proposal would limit the operation of certain types of new businesses, including liquor stores, vape shops and nightclubs. All current businesses would be grandfathered in and not have to abide by the new restrictions.
However, many in the community warn the zoning ordinance could have unintended consequences, for both current and future stores, particularly for Black-owned businesses.
“My rent is $12,000 a month,” said Valeria Lopez, a business owner on the stretch. “So you imposing this overlay on us is going to choke me out.”
Concerned business owners and residents of the Buchanan Street Arts District packed last week’s Metro Planning Commission meeting.
“Growth should expand opportunity, not quietly erase the people who made this neighborhood worth investing in,” another resident said.
“The bill does not ask Buchanan Street how it works. It tells Buchanan Street how it should work, and that’s the problem,” said Jordan Gaither, a TSU graduate.
After community members raised complaints about noise and other issues, Metro Council member Brandon Taylor proposed a “commercial compatibility overlay” for the area, which would impose the stipulations on new businesses. It would prohibit certain types of future operations from building, including cash-advance stores, beer and vape shops. Any new nightclubs would be required to close by midnight.
“As Nashville continues to grow, we’re seeing more commercial and entertainment uses pushing closer and closer to residential neighborhoods, and that creates real challenges,” Taylor said.
Some residents voiced support for the proposal, citing late-night disruptions and trash issues.
“If I’m being honest, the activity and the consequences after late-night clubs let out are more disrespectful to the people who actually live there and pay property taxes,” said Kenya McReynolds, who lives in the neighborhood.
But a long line of current business owners- and even some residents- fear the plan could stifle the Buchanan Street corridor’s entire ecosystem, discouraging new customers and future Black-owned businesses.
“Why does the Buchanan Arts District face an 11 p.m. curfew while other overlay districts, like East Nashville, do not?” one speaker asked.
“At a time when commercial rents are already rising at unsustainable rates, these proposals threaten the very businesses that are helping our neighborhoods thrive,” said resident India Green.
Others warned the restrictions could push businesses out of the area altogether.
“This proposal would deter us from being in the community that supports us and force us to look elsewhere,” one business owner said of looking to open a new store front.
“When compatibility really means ‘act like somewhere else,’ that is racial profiling,” said Gaither. “You’re not just zoning buildings. You’re zoning behavior. You’re zoning expression. You’re zoning who belongs.”
The Metro Planning Commission postponed its vote to allow for further discussion with the community.
Ultimately, the full Metro Council will decide whether the proposed business restrictions move forward.
