Hundreds turned out Thursday to talk about a potential zoning ordinance impacting the Buchanan Arts District in Nashville. Metro Planning Commissioners called it the classic zoning problem — trying to figure out how commercial and residential properties can coexist.
The ordinance would limit the hours of operation and impose noise restrictions on new businesses in the area. It was born out of a new “Commercial Compatibility” zoning overlay created by the Metro Council in the fall. (Overlays add additional rules to the existing restrictions in place as a way of managing development).
That overlay was sponsored by three councilmembers — District 21 representative Brandon Taylor, District 2 Councilmember Kyonzté Toombs and District 3 Councilmember Jennifer Gamble. Now, Taylor has sponsored the new controversial measure, which would apply the overlay to certain commercial properties around Buchanan Street. If it were to be approved, it would be the first neighborhood in Nashville to see these restrictions enacted…