Beer Board and Codes MOU - BL2025-689

This discussion topic was requested by Council Member Tasha Ellis to discuss her intention to move for a deferral of Ordinance No. BL2025-689, which approves a memorandum of understanding between the Metropolitan Beer Permit Board and the Metropolitan Department of Codes Administration to facilitate cooperation for the enforcement of Title 7 and Chapter 9.20 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws.

From CM Ellis: 

In District 29, a growing accumulation of garbage sits unchecked at a dead-end road behind Starbucks, just to the left of the Dollar Tree. Despite my efforts to address this issue, Metro Nashville’s Department of Transportation (NDOT) cannot remove the waste because the area is classified as private property. However, after speaking with a neighboring property owner, I learned that this has been a recurring problem, and the land in question was previously identified as being owned by Metro.

I initially submitted a hubRequest in December 2024, yet here we are—months later—with the pile not only remaining but growing in size. This ongoing neglect is unacceptable.

This situation is a clear example of why we must postpone the proposed bill that would transfer funding for two full-time positions from Metro Codes to the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife. Our Codes Department is already struggling to address essential issues, and diverting these resources will only exacerbate the problem.

Residents of District 29 pay the same tax rates as those in downtown and the surrounding districts, yet we are being treated as an afterthought. We refuse to let our community become a dumping ground simply because the city prioritizes tourist-heavy areas over our neighborhoods.

Until Metro Codes is fully staffed and able to function at maximum effectiveness, this bill should not move forward. Our communities deserve the same level of service and accountability as any other part of the city.