A Nashville neighborhood took a step forward Wednesday to officially protect its historic character. The Metro Historical Zoning Commission recommended approval of a neighborhood conservation overlay for Waverly-Belmont. But the idea isn’t without controversy and awaits two more votes.
Before the 1900s
, large estates in the Waverly-Belmont neighborhood, south of downtown, were home to some of Nashville’s prominent families. An early streetcar line made it even more attractive. Dozens of classic homes still stand between 8th
and 12th
Avenues.
It’s that feel that some want protected with
a conservation overlay. If passed, it would require new construction and add-ons to keep in tune with existing homes.
And it could slow the home demolitions that worry 40-year resident Corinne Matthews.
“We are just getting pushed to the side by all of these mansions, [and] mini-mansions, that are coming in our neighborhood,” she told the Metro Historical Commission. “Th
ese stick houses, is what I call them.”
More:
Read the proposed guidelines and see a boundary map
She’s among an estimated 60 to 80 percent of residents in favor of the overlay, based on surveys and door knocking that councilman Colby Sledge described as a “massive endeavor.” The councilman said residents are tired of homes being demolished and “out-of-place” replacements rising in their wake. He compared the situation to a game of whack-a-mole in which affordability disappears.
“It’s just been a matter of trying to keep the diversity, which is the whole reason I bought in the neighborhood 10 years ago,” said Kerry Conley, a “block captain” who gauged neighborhood interest. “I loved the diversity, and I loved the historic character. And that’s something you can’t take back. When it’s gone, it’s gone.”
But other residents fear restrictions will thwart families who want to build additions. They described scenarios in which they could be forced to relocate. Some suggested a decrease in home values.
“It seems like you’re punishing people,” said Cheryl Hartman. “Let us develop our property. Let us make our money. I mean, that’s why we moved in before 12 South was hip.”
After 12 people spoke against the overlay and 24 in favor of it, the Metro Historical Commission advanced it. Commissioners cited the area’s architectural significance and what appears to be a majority who prefer the overlay.
“We are losing what makes Nashville special rapidly,” said commissioner Hunter Gee. “At the end of the day, this is a significant area, architecturally, and this is the right tool.”
The overlay still awaits a Planning Commission recommendation and ultimately a Metro Council vote, which could come early next year.
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