Let’s talk transit. | Photo via WeGo Public Transit
Nashvillians gave Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s $3.1 billion transit plan the green light, paving the way for years of transportation upgrades and changing how residents get around the city.
First, here’s how the “Choose How You Move” vote shook out, according to unofficial results from the Davidson County Election Commission:
For | 65.5% (183,108 votes)
Against | 34.5% (96,305 votes)
The roadmap
The approved half-cent sales tax increase, which will help fund the plan, is set to take effect on Feb. 1. Although the broad timeline for the transit plan extends to 2039, work could begin in the coming months.
Year 1: Initial work will involve WeGo service enhancements, safety and lighting updates, sidewalks improvements, and traffic and signal upgrades. Meanwhile, the team will work to advance key projects into planning and design phases.
“In calendar year 2025, WeGo will be able to have more improvements than they would have in any other year in recent history,” Mayor O’Connell said on Wednesday, adding that while he can’t say what’s coming “quarter by quarter,” residents can expect to see the improvements listed above.
Yoga in the Park | 6-7 p.m. | Church Street Park | Free | A downtown YMCA instructor will guide the class through a variety of classic yoga poses.
Friday, Nov. 8
Distillers Dinner | 6 p.m. | Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery | $175 | Join the distillery for its 2nd annual dinner celebrating the release of the 2024 Nelson Brothers Black Brier.
Creed | 7 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $95+ | Hold your arms wide open for a night of music with this rock band + special guests 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Harpeth Harvest Fest | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Harpeth River State Park - Hidden Lake | $10+ | The 2nd annual event benefiting Friends of Harpeth River State Park features live music, 20+ vendors, nature crafts, and food trucks.
Nashville Vintage Market | 12-6 p.m. | The Fairgrounds Nashville | $5+ | Shop from over 100 vintage clothing and sneaker vendors + snack on food truck eats — parking is $10 cash.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Military Appreciation Day | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Nashville Zoo | Free | Active military personnel, military veterans, and their immediate families receive free admission.
Monday, Nov. 11
Bonnie Raitt | 7:30 p.m. | Grand Ole Opry House | $82+ | The singer-songwriter’s “Just Like That” tour hits the stage with special guest James Hunter.
Air Canada is expanding its Nashville offerings with a new seasonal service to Vancouver, which will operate three times weekly starting Thursday, May 1.. The airline will also increase its flights to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, raising frequency to twice daily.
Development
A boutique hotel will rise in Madison as the third and final phase of Samaroo Development Group’s Creative Way Village project. Once completed next fall, The Joyce will offer eight hotel units, ground-floor retail, and a restaurant. (Nashville Business Journal)
Job
Speaking of the approved transit plan, Metro is hiring a chief program officer for “Choose How You Move.” The full-time position has a starting salary of $265,000 and calls for at least 10 years of experience. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 1.
Seasonal
It’s time for Nashvillians to slip on blue parkas and step into a nine-degree winter wonderland made out of two million pounds of ice. We’re talking about ICE!, which begins tomorrow, Nov. 8 and runs through Saturday, Jan. 4 at Gaylord Opryland. Get the chilly details.
Edu
TSU, Belmont University, and MTSU were recognized on Billboard’s “2024 Top Music Business Schools” list. The publication specifically notes TSU’s small class sizes, Belmont’s planned Music Row expansion, and MTSU’s involvement with the Grammy Awards and Bonnaroo.
Biz
The Nashville Entrepreneur Center is ready for TakeOff, a new accelerator for early-stage startups. The 12-week program, running February through May, will provide hands-on support and networking opportunities to help founders lay the groundwork for long-term success. Learn more + apply.
Drink
Drink
☕ Something’s brewing
Pro tip: Follow Matryoshka Coffee on Instagram to keep up with annual coffee crawls. | Photo by NASHtoday
Nashville’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning — and luckily, several new spots have opened since we last shared this guide.
Trendy and new
Cafe Babu, 1044 3rd Ave. S. | The Chestnut Hill coffee shop boasts a natural interior, outdoor seating, and a menu featuring specialty drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. Try this: Babu Latte made with cardamom syrup.
Petrichor, 2506 Bransford Ave., Ste. 100 | The concept by Sump Coffee operates at Broadstone Berry Hill and offers free garage parking, making it that much easier to sip on espresso drinks.
Best bites
Flora + Fauna, 747 Douglas Ave. | Decorated with lush greenery throughout, Flora + Fauna roasts its coffee in house and sources local and seasonal ingredients for its food and drink menus.
Stompin’ Grounds, 201 8th Ave. S. | Grab a cold brew to-go, or sit down in the restaurant for breakfast or lunch.
Brrrr. How about a NASHtoday throwback to start the day? In 2022, City Editor Skylar and I braved the cold — with the signature blue parkas on, of course — for “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at ICE!
