Gallatin Pike to Get a New Look

East Nashville’s Gallatin Pike will undergo a gradual makeover under a bill before the Metro Council tomorrow night.

The bill, on the second of three readings, will apply a ‘specific plan’ zoning change to Gallatin Pike from the Cumberland River to Briley Parkway. According to the plan the height of signs will be limited, landscaping requirements will be imposed, and even utility lines will have to be out of sight or underground for new businesses.

Councilman Mike Jameson is one of the bill’s sponsors. He says the council members whose districts line Main Street and Gallatin Pike also wanted to restrict the types of businesses.

“Gallatin Road has got more than enough title, pawn shops, cash loan facilities, adult bookstores and some other unsavory businesses. We can’t eliminate businesses, but we can lay down some zoning regulations that can prevent new ones from coming.”

Council members Erik Cole, Pam Murray and Michael Craddock are co-sponsors.

Jameson says the zoning change won’t apply to existing businesses unless they undertake a major renovation. He says that’s why the change in appearance of the street will happen at a “glacial” pace.