NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — In a public comment hearing at Metro Council on Tuesday night, mixed emotions surfaced on a bill that would create a new downtown business district.

This bill sparked a heated debate between community members and what the future of downtown and The Gulch will look like.

The bill will unify The Gulch with the downtown business district.

Tuesday night, supporters welcomed the idea of cleaner streets, landscaping, safety patrols, and continuing momentum for neighbors and tourists to thrive.

However, those opposed to the bill said it’s not worth it. Some said there’s a lack of trust between the district management and that there’s not enough oversight to keep the business district in line.

“Everyone here wants a vibrant Nashville, and I want to share that vibrancy with everyone," Shamus, a resident of District 18, said. "However, we can build a vibrant Nashville without mandating displacement and incarceration. We must build a Nashville with working-class people at the focus, not solely businesses and tourists.”

Jacob Kupin, the Metro Councilmember for District 19, and one of the bill’s sponsors, said business districts like this help pay for safety, programming, beautification and cleanliness.

Kupin said he understands how important residents' concerns are, and he plans to make sure the business district's priorities are aligned with the Metro Council.

During the discussion period, Councilwoman Delishia Porterfield made a motion to defer the bill until July 7, 2026, to give the council further time to examine the responsibilities of the District Management Cooperation, who initiates the downtown partnership including a financial report. Porterfield withdrew her request, and the vote further discussion on the legislation and a potential half percent sales tax on The Gulch was debated by the council.

The council passed the bill with amendments on its third and final reading.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/debate-sparks-over-creation-of-new-downtown-central-business-improvement-district-in-metro-council-meeting/