Starwood rezoning and TPAC deal lead busy Metro Council agenda
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Renderings of the proposed new development for the former Starwood property. Image: Kimley-Horn, courtesy of the Metro Council office
The former Starwood Amphitheatre property in Antioch would be converted into a mixed-use development, with residential, retail and office space, under a rezoning plan up for final consideration at Tuesday night's Metro Council meeting.
Why it matters: Antioch is in the midst of a revitalization, with several ambitious development projects underway or in the pipeline.
Zoom in: The proposed rezoning plan, which is likely to be approved by council, features townhomes and single-family homes. The development will also include a pedestrian trail with interpretive exhibits highlighting the history of Starwood, which closed in 2007.
Zoom out: The nearby Century Farms development features the Tanger outlets, a new In-N-Out location and Tiger Woods' PopStroke golf entertainment complex.
- "As we are revitalizing the core of Antioch, the Commons of Starwood is an integral piece of the puzzle," Metro Councilmember Joy Styles tells Axios over email.
- Styles, who represents the area, says her next goal is advancing plans to redevelop the former Hickory Hollow mall property, which the city purchased during previous Mayor John Cooper's administration.
What she's saying: "It has taken 5 years to complete the new plan, and I am extremely proud that all of the community feedback was included in its creation," Styles says. "Another live, work, play opportunity in Antioch!"
Yes, but: The Starwood rezoning is just one notable item on one of the busiest council agendas of the term.
🚔 Public safety grant: Council will also consider a $15 million public safety grant from the state to the Downtown Partnership.
- The Downtown Partnership intends to spend the money on improved lighting, homeless outreach, a new downtown traffic management center and public restrooms.
- The proposal received pushback from progressive council members for police investments. The grant calls for funds for replacement video cameras, an armored rescue vehicle and a mobile command post for police.
💲 Business improvement district: Dovetailing with the debate over the public safety grant, council will consider the creation of a new business improvement district for Midtown. Improvement districts allow for a small part of town to be taxed at a higher rate in exchange for enhanced city services.
- Skeptics of such districts don't want the funds to be used for over-policing homeless people.
🚫 Boring Company tunnel: Council will also debate a resolution expressing opposition to the proposed Music City Loop tunnel project.
🎶 TPAC: The lease agreement with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center is up for a critical second vote.
- Despite questions about the city's infrastructure costs and keeping the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge remain open during construction, the TPAC plan appears on track to pass.
⛸️ Preds: The lease agreement allowing the Predators to take over operations and pay for renovation of the ice facility at Centennial Sportsplex is also on the agenda.