Wedgewood Houston Community Meeting Reaffirms Support for Martin & Merritt Project Amid Development Delays
The fourth community meeting for the proposed Martin & Merritt development in Nashville's Wedgewood Houston neighborhood was held on Saturday, July 20th, 2024. This latest gathering, requested by Metro Council Member Terry Vo, drew approximately 30 attendees, with about half previously participated in the Wedgewood Houston Social about the project in April 2024.
Background and Community Frustration
The meeting came amid growing frustration from some residents over the project's slow progress since one of the initial presentations in March 2023. Despite no significant new developments, this marked the fourth community feedback session in just over a year.
At least two former SNAP board members attended, both expressed apologies to the community, one stating, "As a past board member of SNAP, I would like to personally apologize to residents and businesses of Wedgewood Houston for your patience, investment and collaboration. Your time is valuable, and we appreciate all you do to make Wedgewood Houston a great place to thrive."
The project, which has been in limbo due to Metro Council processes, had previously received positive support from the community during its first presentation at Diskin Cider, requested by then Metro Council Member Colby Sledge.
Meeting Outcomes and Continued Support
Despite the frustrations leading up to the meeting, the sentiment during the gathering remained notably positive, continuing the trend of enthusiasm seen in previous sessions. The developers, SomeraRoad Inc, presented updates on their plans for the approximately 4-acre site, which include:
A 120-room boutique hotel
200 residential apartment units
Retail and restaurant space
Public green spaces and plazas
Key design aspects highlighted included:
Varying building heights from 3 to 6 stories
Use of topography to minimize visual impact
A hidden parking garage
High-quality materials and public spaces
Community Concerns and Engagement
While overall reception remained positive, some recurring community concerns were addressed:
Parking and traffic impacts
Building heights and density
Ensuring public access to green spaces
Potential noise from rooftop amenities
The consistent attendance and engagement of community members across four meetings demonstrate the neighborhood's active involvement in shaping the project's future.
Next Steps and Call to Action
The project still requires Specific Plan (SP) zoning approval due to its density exceeding current allowances. Developers continue to work closely with local officials and the community before formally filing plans.
Conclusion
The Martin & Merritt project continues to navigate the complex interplay of community input, developer plans, and local government processes. Despite frustrations over delays, the consistent positive sentiment across multiple meetings suggests strong neighborhood support for the development.
As Wedgewood Houston evolves, the engagement and patience of its residents remain crucial in shaping the area's future. The developers and local officials appear committed to maintaining open dialogue with the community as the project moves forward.
For more information on the Martin + Merritt Project and community meetings, residents are encouraged to visit www.wehosocial.org.
