Various community groups and neighbors have teamed up to come up with ways to increase safety and transit options along Nolensville Pike.
Long-time residents have watched as the area has grown, and said the growth has brought some safety concerns.
“We see accidents out here all the time,” said Karen Estevez-Gill, owner of Flatrock Coffee, Tea and More. “It’s pretty frightening.”
Estevez-Gill hosted one of various community meetings at her business, to get feedback on ways to improve the area. The effort was coordinated by Conexion Americas, and included various Metro departments. Many of the participants had similar ideas.
“We know people in this neighborhood want more crosswalks,” said Renata Soto, Executive Director of Conexion Americas. “Nolensville Pike is friendly to cars, but not to people.”
Ideas from residents included adding more sidewalks, crosswalks, and even a pedestrian bridge and roundabout at the Harding Place intersection. Residents also expressed the need for more parks, bike lanes, and covered bus stops.
The Nashville Civic Design Center took the ideas and came up with plans that are colorful and reflect the vibrancy of the neighborhood.
“When everyone comes to Nolensville Pike, they want to everybody to feel they are entering a special, diverse, and international district,” said Soto.
Soto said now that ideas have been compiled, community leaders will continue to work with various Metro departments to make the plans a reality.
Groundbreaking for a new park next to the Casa Azafran Community Center is scheduled for September.
