Transit

Increasing access to transit options is critical for the future of our city, and our neighborhood. As a regular bus rider, I know how much a convenient, reliable bus system means for the sustainability and productivity of our community. I'll support improvements to our mass transit system, including more bus rapid transit, regional light rail, and city streetcars. As the cost of transportation is expected to steadily rise in coming years, we will need a robust transit system to provide an effective, efficient, and affordable means of getting people to and from where they live, work and play. I will work with the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and other transit and smart growth advocates to make sure we are prepared for future needs.

Any discussion of transit must also include bicycle and pedestrian components. Whether walking or biking on errands or just for pleasure, a safe means of travel promotes good health and reduces congestion and pollution. As a long time cyclist, I know the importance of continuing to invest in bike lanes, and I'll work to keep East Nashville a walk-able, bike-able community.

 

Neighborhood Safety

A good neighborhood needs to feel safe. People want to feel safe going to school, going for a walk, riding the bus, and especially safe at home. Our firefighters, police, and other emergency responders do a commendable job of responding to calls. I'll work with our officers to make sure they have the tools to continue providing the presence and response we expect and need.

The most successful tool against fighting crime is a well-organized group of neighbors who look out for each other. We have an active crime listserv that connects us and provides important information, and weekly crime prevention meetings that allow an opportunity to share tips and trends with neighbors and members of our East Precinct. I'll make sure these forums continue, and that together, we can all be on the lookout for each other.

 

Education

Quality educational opportunities are a key component of any vibrant neighborhood, and I will work with the school board, parents, non-profits, and other advocates to ensure our neighborhood schools continue to improve. While the council's main influence on education is through its budget powers, we must realize that our children's success is impacted by more than what happens at school; it is also dependent on the quality, safety, and involvement of the surrounding neighborhood. I will work to make our neighborhoods supportive environments for kids to come home to, and work to find more ways for the community to engage with students.

To have successful schools, we must raise the expectations of students, teachers, parents, and future employers. The new STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) magnet program at Stratford, combined with new opportunities at East End Prep and Liberty Collegiate Academy, the new Academies of Nashville initiatives, and the successes of neighborhood magnet schools like Lockeland and East Literature will provide an array of academic opportunities that will make East Nashville an attractive place to attend school. The key will be to ensure that progress is made at every school, that innovations that work are shared, and that every student is given the best opportunity to learn.

 

Livability

When we talk about livability, we're talking about the various things that contribute to the overall quality of life in a neighborhood. This includes transit, public safety, and quality schools. It also includes access to public spaces, such as parks and greenways, and access to commerce, such as retail stores and restaurants.

East Nashville is fortunate to have great city parks that are improving and commercial hubs that are growing. Increased access to these areas for neighborhood residents, visitors from other parts of town, and tourists will make these areas even more successful.

Simple things like sidewalks and bike lanes not only promote good health, they encourage exploration of neighborhood businesses. What better way to enjoy a hot summer day than to ride down to the ice cream shop, or use a cool autumn afternoon to walk down to one of the local coffee shops?
Our neighborhood is growing, and in the years ahead, will see greater density. If we adhere to the model we've generally followed – higher density along main corridors while protecting the interior neighborhood streets – we will create an environment for more businesses - and jobs - to succeed in the community.

 

Green Initiatives

Smart growth does more than merely address the big picture; it encourages ways and means to address sustainability at every turn. Being green is a lifestyle, and one that East Nashville is well placed to embrace. This can include supporting local businesses, local parks programs, farmer's markets, and bringing healthy food options to food deserts.

 

I'll work to continue programs like the District 6 Energy Fix, which provides incentives for home energy audits and improvements. I'll work to increase recycling and composting for residents and businesses, and find ways to help reduce consumption. Living a more sustainable lifestyle takes work, knowledge, and practice; I'll be an advocate to make it more attainable for more people in our neighborhood.