📹 The debate over Nashville’s surveillance tech

📹 Nashville’s Use of Surveillance Technology

Drones, Fusus, and license plate readers are all part of a larger, unresolved conflict over Metro Nashville Police Department’s efforts to expand its use of surveillance technology. Nashville’s Community Review Board’s recently released report argues MNPD’s recent drone pilot program is part of its “steadily expanding surveillance apparatus, which has often advanced ahead of, or in tension with, Metro Council review and opportunities for public comment.” [Nashville Scene]

• On Tuesday, Metro Council passed a bill restricting the use of drones for surveillance on the second of three readings. The bill, proposed by Councilmember Sandra Sepulveda, would require a public hearing and council approval for any future use of drones by MNPD. It would also limit drone use to responding to active shooter incidents, hostage situations, and active searches for missing persons. Council will cast its final vote on the bill on Sept. 1. [Nashville Banner]
• This legislation is in response to public outcry following MNPD’s recently ended “Drone as First Responder” pilot program implemented in Madison. MNPD Chief John Drake opposes the bill, arguing it would limit the technology’s usefulness. [🎧 City Cast Nashville; NewsChannel 5]
• This is not MNPD’s first attempt to expand the city’s use of surveillance technology. Last year, Metro Council voted against a contract with Flock license plate readers, though MNPD is still accessing Flock data through other police departments. [Nashville Banner]
• While cities surrounding Nashville have approved the use of Flock cameras, opposition to the surveillance technology is becoming more widespread among both Democratic and Republican politicians. [NewsChannel 5; Nashville Banner]
• Private businesses and other entities own hundreds of Flock cameras throughout Nashville. Check their locations here. [🔐 The Tennessean; DeFlock]

What do you think about surveillance technology in Nashville? Email me your thoughts!

🅿️ Metro Seeks Dismissal in Cheekwood Dispute

Metro Nashville is seeking to dismiss a lawsuit by Neighbors for Safety BMH, a group of people who live near Cheekwood and are asking for a stop-work order against the nonprofit’s parking garage construction. Metro is arguing the group’s claims are legally insufficient, and Cheekwood has launched a “Save Cheekwood” petition in response. A court hearing is set for Sept. 18. [🔐 Nashville Business Journal]

• Why are neighbors suing? We broke it down for you. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

💰 Music City Center Surplus Funds

Metro Council also advanced two bills that would refinance Music City Center debt and transfer $300 million in surplus tourism taxes from the center to East Bank projects. Excess revenue would support downtown events and businesses, though some councilmembers worry that residents will be appalled by the revenue favoring downtown over other areas of town. Refinancing the debt could help Nashville establish an affordable housing bond program. [Nashville Banner]

🎷 Nashville’s Jazz Scene

With their recent album, “Redefining the Standards,” Nashville Women in Jazz set a new standard themselves, releasing the first all-women project ever recorded at the legendary RCA Studio B. On today’s podcast, founder Alayna Renae delves into our city’s modern jazz scene by taking a look back, from Jefferson Street in the ‘40s to Rudy’s and Urban Cowboy today. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

• Give their album a listen. [YouTube]

🏥 Medical Error Leaves One Woman Paralyzed

At least four people who received joint replacement surgeries at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown last week have been impacted by a drug mix-up. The patients were given potassium in their epidural, which can be deadly. The medical error has left one of the patients paralyzed. She’s currently in the ICU at Ascension Saint Thomas West. [NewsChannel 5]