Metro Councilmember Nick Leonardo, District 1, introduced the ‘Jackson Law’ at Hobson United Methodist Church Feb. 26 to District 1 residents concerned about the landfills in their area.
Nashville is expanding rapidly with many people moving from different states. What does that mean for Nashville? There will be more waste with nowhere to dump it, since most of the landfills have reached capacity.
‘Jackson Law’ is the only way people can have local control over the landfill in District 1.
“All we’re asking for in 2017 is to have notice and for an opportunity to be heard,” District 1 Councilmember Nick Leonardo said. “For years we have been getting dumped on, and enough is enough. It’s time for environmental justice. There’s not any section of the community in Nashville that should receive more environmental detriments or any more environmental benefits than the other.”
This is the opportunity to be heard and when people receive mail, see signs or attend public hearings that will get people involved in making a stride towards change. Keeping Nashville environmentally friendly is the goal in making it a safer place to live for everyone.
“We have a tremendous list of assets to offer the city but at no point has the city reinvested in the Bordeaux District Community,” said District 1 Commissioner Johnathan Hall. “As it stands the average home owner here in District 1 is spending about $9,000 a year per person and we have to leave to shop, eat, work, pay bills, where pretty much everything goes out and nothing comes in.”
“What Councilmember Nick Leonardo is doing is going to give people a voice in reference to what happens in their community which is very important,” Nashville Property Assessor Vivian Wilhoite said.
“People need to be empowered to have a voice on what’s happening in their community.”
District 1 is the largest tract of landowners in the city. There are 97% single-family brick homes, which leave three percent left for town houses and duplexes. While Nashville is growing, it is important to make sure no one gets left behind and has a voice to speak up on issues that can affect their well being.
