Metro Council will consider rezoning for the old East Bank scrapyard property at its meeting tomorrow in a potentially skyline-altering vote that is facing some opposition.

Why it matters: The plan would reshape the East Bank as we know it, swapping out the PSC metal recycling site with dense, mixed-use development and downtown-sized skyscrapers.

The big picture: City leaders have wanted to rid the East Bank of the scrapyard for generations. Private investors agreed to purchase the property last year.

• Combined with the new Titans stadium and surrounding development, backers say the rezoning will reshape the East Bank and turn the industrial wasteland into vibrant housing, office space and entertainment options.

Between the lines: The rezoning has faced resistance despite being recommended for approval by the Planning Commission.

• The proposal is up for its decisive third vote, but first it will face a series of proposed amendments from skeptical Metro councilmembers.
• Metro Councilmember Jacob Kupin, who represents the area, backs the effort.

What he's saying: Kupin tells Axios the proposal would turn an "industrial wasteland into a thriving mixed used neighborhood."

• "It's important to me that this remains a neighborhood for Nashville and by Nashville," Kupin says, adding that there will be continued public engagement around street planning, infrastructure and design.

The other side: Metro Councilmember Clay Capp, who represents part of East Nashville, is skeptical of the plan. In an email to constituents last week, he said the future use of the property must mesh well with nearby neighborhoods — some of which sit in his district.

• "We can't jump the tourist party across the river, and we can't induce a massive amount of car traffic into the East Bank to trap us in East with gridlock, and squander our chance to build a walkable, real neighborhood there," Capp said in his email.

What we're watching: In addition to the scrapyard rezoning, council will vote on legislation that city leaders hope triggers the construction of more day cares.

• Mayor Freddie O'Connell's proposal to give Metro water ratepayers a nearly $26 credit on a future water bill is also up for a vote. This is part of O'Connell's plan to provide financial relief for residents in the wake of the ice storm.

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LeBron James said he thinks the Memphis Grizzlies should take their talents to Music City.

Why it matters: The hall of famer's blunt remarks on the "Bob Does Sports" YouTube show have ricocheted across the sports world.

What he's saying: While discussing the tough travel schedule in the NBA, he lamented being in Memphis on a "random-a** Thursday."

• "I'm not the first guy to even talk about in the NBA," he said. "You guys have to move."

"Just go over to Nashville," he said. He mentioned Nashville's established sports culture, name-checking Vanderbilt. He also referenced the Titans stadium and the Predators.

• "They got everything."

The Nashville International Airport is launching a $40 million construction project that will update the central terminal to make way for millions of additional passengers.

Why it matters: While the 18-month project is underway, the airport will close its "central core" hub near the entrance where passengers move back and forth between ticketing, baggage claim and ground transportation levels.

• Passengers will have to navigate around the work until the upgrades are finished.

The big picture: Passenger growth at the airport is outpacing projections. Officials say these changes will allow the facility to accommodate 40 million passengers annually.

• The core will go from six to 16 escalators during the project, and elevator capacity will double, according to an airport announcement.

What's next: The closures will begin June 1 and are expected to last through December 2027. Extra staff will be on hand to help guide passengers during construction.

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🍔 In-N-Out Burger is moving forward with more locations in Middle Tennessee. The Madison location is now listed as "opening soon," while construction is underway on a Hermitage outpost. (Tennessean)

🎭 Plans for the new Tennessee Performing Arts Center on the East Bank are coming into focus, with planning documents describing a 377,000-square-foot facility with two theaters. The larger theater will have 2,600 seats. (Nashville Scene)

⚖️ Eight judicial candidates who will appear on the ballot on May 5 completed a Nashville Banner questionnaire about their experience and the strategies they would employ on the bench. (Nashville Banner)

Spring is in full swing, and we can't let the season pass us by without celebrating it with some music.

▶️ State of play: This week's Axios Nashville playlist channels our cheery mood with songs about flowers.

• We know florals for spring isn't exactly groundbreaking. But it's a classic because it works.

Listen to our playlist on Spotify