Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Brentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
22 issues
SI-3 Zoning for City-Owned Parcel South of Old Hickory Boulevard
The city is cleaning up the zoning on 18 acres it already owns, which hold a sewer tank and pump station. It heads to the city commission for a public hearing November 9.
Harpeth Hills Church Ball Fields Rezoning
An inclusive baseball field for kids with disabilities got unanimous approval, with a show of support from the West Nashville Sports League, which donated over $700,000 to the effort.
Ardenwood Subdivision Preliminary Plan Revision
The commission is reviewing the preliminary plan for the Alderhurst Subdivision on Liberty Church Road. This project will impact residential development and local traffic patterns in the R-2 zoning district.
Ordinance 2026-09 Zoning Assignment
The commission will examine a proposed zoning assignment to SI-3 for property south of Old Hickory Boulevard. This change will dictate future land use and development standards for the area.
Alderhurst subdivision (61 lots off Liberty Church Road)
61 new one-acre homes are coming to Liberty Church Road, and neighbors are worried about cut-through traffic and school-zone safety. The developer widens Liberty Church only within its own property; the rest is up to the city or TDOT.
Regional Transportation Planning and I-65 Corridor Studies
Commissioner Rick Lundgren pushed hard on whether Brentwood should keep approving neighborhoods while planned road projects (Wilson Pike, Old Smyrna Road, an I-65 interchange) go unbuilt. Staff countered that the city deliberately doesn't widen roads to five lanes, that state roads need TDOT action, and that the 2040 plan and a traffic demand model are in the works. No resolution was reached — Lundgren plans to raise it Monday.
City Sewer Pump Station Annexation
The city is annexing its own pump station parcel and zoning it SI-3 — housekeeping, but neighbors within 1,000 feet in two counties got notice and a community meeting happens tonight.
Building Permit Fee Calculation Revision
The city updated its residential construction valuation formula, raising the baseline cost from $170 to $180 per square foot for habitable space. City leaders noted the increase is modest and stays well below recent inflation rates.
Police Fleet Equipment and Upgrades
The city approved purchasing eleven new vehicles to keep the police department fleet operational and reliable.
Private Driveway Maintenance and Infrastructure Concerns
During permit discussions for the North Carothers Parkway Twice Daily, a board member raised concerns about a severe pothole in the shared private driveway, highlighting vehicle safety issues for residents.
HOA Financial Management and Oversight
Mayor Andrews raised concerns regarding recurring financial disputes and management issues within neighborhood Homeowners Associations. While noting that regulatory guardrails fall under state legislative authority rather than city code, he encouraged community awareness and best practices like requiring multiple neighborhood board signatures on accounts.
Off-Premises Beer Permits for Tri Star Energy Locations
TriStar Energy applied for six off-premises beer permits across its Brentwood convenience stores due to a corporate buyout by Equilon. Representatives confirmed that store operations, management, and employee training programs will remain unchanged.
Gateway Signage Project Update
Installation of the new gateway sign near the Concord Road exit faces an extra $6,500 cost because T-DOT is requiring a guardrail in the clear zone. Commissioners are asking staff to check if a breakaway sign could avoid this extra expense.
Summer Concert Series Sponsorship Levels
The city is looking to update its sponsorship packages for the popular summer concert series, adding a top-tier presenting sponsor slot and bumping up other rates. It's a good problem to have since demand is high, but officials want to make sure local businesses aren't priced out.
Accessory Structure Setback Compliance and Surveys
The board addressed property owners building or planning accessory structures, reinforcing rules about yard placement, unpermitted work, and commercial use restrictions.
Big Bad Breakfast Beer Permit Application
A new restaurant at the old Cross Corner spot on Franklin Road wants to serve beer. The decision waits until October 26 because no one from the restaurant came to the meeting.
Municipal Zoning for Old Hickory Boulevard Utility Property
The city is zoning its own ~18-acre parcel — home to a pump station and equalization tank — as Service Institutional after annexing it. No changes to the property are planned; second reading is ahead.
Cell Tower and Wireless Facility Regulations
Commissioners discussed progress on new cell towers — one approved near police headquarters and a pending site near Smith Park — plus a larger county facility on Murray Lane, all aimed at fixing dead zones highlighted during last year's ice storm.
New Fire Station 3 Land Acquisition on Moore's Lane
The city finalized its purchase of land from the Mooreland Estates HOA for a new fire station. Commissioners said the location is ideal and the sale proceeds will help the neighborhood association maintain its roads.
2027 Early Voting Location and Schedule
The city is planning its early voting schedule and locations for the May 2027 municipal election, opting for a one-week period at the library to balance turnout and cost.
Public Records Request Volume and AI Impact
City staff reported a surge in public records requests—surpassing 700 for the year—with an increasing number generated using AI tools, creating a heavy administrative burden.
Wireless Communication Tower at Police Headquarters
Approval of a ground lease to install a cell tower at the police department to address long-standing gaps in local wireless coverage.