Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Smyrna public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
21 issues
Wastewater and Water Capacity Projections
The town is planning to accept an $8 million State Revolving Fund loan to upgrade the Mason Tucker-Hilltop booster stations, which supply water to the Sam Ridley corridor and the hospital. Officials say the project will add pump capacity, electrical variable frequency drives, and heating and cooling updates without raising customer rates.
New beer sales at 101 Vape and Smoke Outlet
The vape shop on Almaville Road will start selling beer to go. Owner Michael Naguib told the board he's operated since 2018 with zero underage-sale issues and uses an electronic age-verification device.
Smyrna Sports Pub ownership change
The pub on South Lowry Street got a new on-premise permit after co-owner Mr. Kiermeyer retired and Timothy Olsen took over his share. The venue is 21-and-up and checks IDs at the door.
Great American Road Rally fundraiser beer garden
Carpe Artista will host a 21-and-up beer garden at its November 19 fundraiser at Crusader AutoWorks, following its appearance on a national TV show. The nonprofit has run beer gardens before, including for Simply Smyrna, with Cedar Glade Brewing providing beer.
TriStar Energy ownership change and store permits
TriStar Energy — the company behind Twice Daily and Sudden Service stores — is being taken over by a Shell-related ownership group, requiring new beer permits for all three Smyrna stores. Residents shouldn't notice any change: same stores, names, staff training, and signage.
Emergency water plant equipment purchase
One of two electrolyzer banks that produce bleach disinfectant at the water treatment plant failed. A $207,804.99 emergency replacement was announced — without it, the town could lose water production capacity.
Bankside Drive and Kedron Church Road PRD Rezoning
David Weekley Homes secured approval to build 202 age-restricted homes off Kedron Church Road, replacing an older, denser subdivision plan. While the lower density and senior focus appealed to many, some council members questioned concentrating traffic at a single gated entrance during a period of infrastructure strain.
Mason Tucker Booster Station SRF loan
An $8 million low-interest state loan (3.29%, 20 years) will upgrade the booster station serving Sam Ridley and the hospital, plus unlock the idle Hilltop station — with no rate increase for customers.
Gresham Drive Property Acquisition for Parks and Senior Services
The town wants to buy 11.7 acres off Gresham Drive for $1.8M, lease part to the Senior Activity Center (whose Sam Ridley site has rocky soil, access, and utility problems), and keep the rest for Lee Victory Park. Selling the current 15-acre Sam Ridley site for commercial development could more than recoup the cost.
Sewart's Landing development progress
The mixed-use development is filling up: Sprouts opens in November, Wawa in April, restaurants are beating revenue expectations, and larger tenants like HomeGoods are touring. Parks, an amphitheater, and a P-51 replica honoring Mayor Reed are on the way.
Sam Ridley Parkway Traffic Signal Installation
A new signal (~$206,000, town impact funds) will stop cross-traffic conflicts that currently back vehicles up toward Industrial Drive. TDOT approved it but won't pay for it.
Exterior Modifications at 105 Hazelwood Drive
The commission will review unpermitted exterior painting at 105 Hazelwood Drive to ensure it meets historic district standards.
Youth Sports Heat Safety Policy
Officials discussed creating a standardized heat policy to protect children playing youth sports during dangerous high-temperature conditions.
Hilltop-Rosenwald Playground Replacement
The town is reviewing proposals to replace the playground at Hilltop-Rosenwald Park to improve recreation facilities for local children.
Stormwater Utility Fee and Account Management
The committee is reviewing vacant property accounts and discussing the stormwater utility fees adopted in the recent town budget. These fees impact commercial and residential property owners across Smyrna.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Special Exception on Hankins Drive
The board approved an attached accessory apartment for a family member at 1101 Chorleywood Court. The project enhances an older part of the home while maintaining neighborhood setbacks and architectural harmony.
Front Setback Variance Request on Castile Drive
A homeowner sought permission to keep an above-ground pool built within the front setback of a corner lot. The board approved the request after verifying safety fencing and neighborhood compatibility.
Old Nashville Highway Commercial Rezoning Denied
Property owners requested rezoning seven parcels from C-4 and R-2 to C-2 to facilitate redevelopment. The commission denied the request because three of the parcels failed to meet minimum size requirements.
Police Department Restraint Policy Update
The police department is seeking approval for spit masks and ankle hobbles to protect officers and medical personnel from assaults during violent arrests. Council members questioned training protocols and how mental health crises are handled.
Retail Alcohol Compliance and Underage Sale Review
Town staff reported that Gil's Food Mart self-reported an underage sale violation by a former employee, prompting the board to require the owner to appear at the next meeting.
New Business Alcohol Permitting: Sprouts and Scissors & Scotch
The Beer Board reviewed and approved three off-premise beer permits for local businesses, including a smoke shop, a gas station ownership change, and a new gas station.