Martin & Merritt Development Community Meeting February 11, 2025
Martin & Merritt Development Community Meeting
February 11, 2025
Prepared by: Earnest Morgan
Contact: earnest@wedgewoodhouston.org
DISCLAIMER: This brief contains time-sensitive information. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact the author immediately for correction.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
SomeraRoad proposes a mixed-use development at the Martin & Merritt intersection, requiring rezoning from industrial warehousing to a Specific Plan (SP).
Metro Planning Case Number: 2025SP-005-001
The project includes:
155-room boutique hotel
150-200 residential units (potential condos)
Retail spaces and community plaza
Infrastructure improvements
ZONING CONTEXT
Current: Industrial warehousing (1998)
Proposed: Based on 2019/2021 community planning studies
Character Area 1: Max 3-story, mixed-use
Character Area 2: Residential (20 units/acre)
DESIGN ADAPTATIONS
Developer has modified plans based on prior feedback:
Reduced building heights near residential areas
Relocated density to lower elevations
Integrated parking garage within development
Internalized valet and ride-share operations
KEY COMMUNITY CONCERNS
1. Traffic & Infrastructure
Hamilton Avenue residential traffic impact
Parking overflow into neighborhoods
Pedestrian safety beyond development
Questions about traffic study methodology
2. Construction Impact
Extended construction noise
Early/late delivery disruptions
Potential foundation damage
Request for enforcement mechanisms
3. Development Scale
Precedent for future projects
Need for binding community benefits agreement
Business operation regulations
Height and density protections
4. Community Integration
Affordable housing inclusion
Artist residency possibilities
Local business displacement concerns
Neighborhood character preservation
DEVELOPER COMMITMENTS
Vibration monitoring implementation
Noise control measures
Priority sidewalk construction
Binding agreements for construction compliance
Willingness to explore alternative traffic patterns
TIMELINE & NEXT STEPS
Immediate Actions:
Planning Commission vote deferred to February 27, 2025
Community feedback deadline: February 20, 2025
Traffic study report release pending
Development of binding operational agreements
Required Deliverables:
Updated traffic access plans
Construction management protocol
Community benefits agreement
Operational guidelines for businesses
STAKEHOLDER POSITIONS
Developer: Open to modifications within project constraints
Community: Mixed support with specific concern areas
SNAP Board: Facilitating ongoing dialogue
Council: Engaged in review process
This development represents a significant change for the neighborhood, with both opportunities and challenges requiring continued stakeholder engagement and careful planning oversight.
CONTACTS
Terry Vo (Metro Council Member)
Role: Local Government Liaison
Phone: 615-862-6780
Email: terry.vo@nashville.gov
Website: Nashville.gov
Metropolitan Nashville Development
Phone: 615-862-7100
Email: planning@nashville.gov
Website: Planning Nashville
For corrections or updates to this brief, please contact:
Earnest Morgan
earnest@wedgewoodhouston.org
Metro Planning Case Number: 2025SP-005-001
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