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A resolution recognizing the progress and importance of the Fisk Jubilee Bridge Area Revitalization.
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WHEREAS, the Fisk-Jubilee Bridge, originally dedicated in 1981, is located on Dr. DB Todd Jr. Boulevard, between Jo Johnston Avenue and Hermosa Street, at the heart of the historic Fisk-Meharry corridor. The bridge serves as a gateway and connector between Midtown and the surrounding North Nashville community; and
WHEREAS, the Fisk-Jubilee Bridge was originally constructed to protect vehicle and pedestrian traffic crossing highly active rail lines, particularly emergency vehicles for access to Meharry-Hubbard Hospital, historically the only hospital in Nashville that provided medical care to patients of African descent; and
WHEREAS, the Jubilee Bridge Area Revitalization (“JBAR”) Project is working to create a community space on and around the bridge, which includes the creation of a pocket park on an adjacent parking lot and beautifying areas around the bridge with sidewalk art, murals, and an infographic wall; and
WHEREAS, the JBAR Project is guided by the belief that intentional, culturally grounded investment in place, visibility, and connectivity can spur more equitable development, increased opportunity, and long-term community well-being; and
WHEREAS, Jubilee Pocket Park is underway through in-kind donations by Cumberland River Project to de-pave the parking lot. Planning and designs are underway to improve the Herman Street Underpass, and to create a Black Heritage Walk, and Digital Memory Wall to commemorate the history of Black people to the Nashville community; and
WHEREAS, the JBAR project is being led by World AfriCultural Community Project (“WACCP”). WACCP is a nonprofit organization founded by US Air Force Veteran Fathiyah Shepard-Suso. WACCP has made great efforts to engage the community; and
WHEREAS, this project is possible through the hard work of WACCP and various partnerships with Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure, Metro Arts Commission, the Mayor’s Office, the Planning Commission, Moody Nolan, Stantec, the Civic Design Center, Pillars Development, HBCU Development Action Coalition, the Cumberland River Compact, and countless community leaders; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize the efforts to restore this critical connection for Nashville communities and important piece of Nashville’s Black history.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council commend the progress on the Jubilee Bridge Area Revitalization Project led by World AfriCultural Community Project, to increase visibility, improve connectivity, and elevate the cultural presence of the Jubilee Bridge and surrounding spaces within the historic Fisk-Meharry corridor of North Nashville.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.