BELLE MEADE, Tenn. (WKRN — The City of Belle Meade has made a decision about what should be done with Belle Meade Boulevard.

City commissioners have approved a new city ordinance that prohibits constructed walkways, like sidewalks or other paths, along the median of the popular stretch of road.

After multiple residents filed a complaint about the original plans for the boulevard, the city formed a resident-led committee to have a say in what they would like to see done on the roadway.

Those recommendations provided by the committee were approved with some amendments.

The most stand-out change from the original plan is that no sidewalks will be built along the median on Belle Meade Boulevard, which was the initial recommendation.

Another notable amendment states the median greenspace will not be removed unless it's necessary for critical stormwater management or maintenance.

Two residents spoke at the meeting Wednesday night regarding the boulevard, with one in favor of the changes.

"It shows tremendous leadership, in my opinion, on the part of the commissioners to recognize Belle Meade Boulevard for its historic significance," they said during the June 18 meeting.

The other asked commissioners to reconsider the notification system for the boulevard, including all residents and not just those who live along the road.

"It's a boulevard that's entrusted to all, it's a mutual asset to all residents, then why would a special class of citizens receive supplemental notifications," the resident stated.

The city said going forward, any proposed change to Belle Meade Boulevard will be evaluated by the board of commissioners using specific criteria like historic integrity, consistency with its original vision, visual harmony with existing landscaping, and minimization of permanent physical intrusion.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/belle-meade-boulevard-ordinance-passes-commission/