by Amanda Hara
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A petition is making its way across Nashville, as neighbors in Sylvan Heights push for safety at a local intersection.
The Sylvan Heights Neighborhood Association is collecting signatures, hoping that city leaders will take notice and improve safety on 37th Avenue.
Folks living in the area said the tunnel under the railroad crossing on 37th Avenue is old, narrow and in the middle of a very sharp double curve.
The concern is that pedestrians and cyclists using the tunnel to get to West End are in danger.
Local businesses like Climb Nashville are also behind the push for change. That's why owner Lance Brock posted this petition on his front wall.
"We do want to be an active part of making the community more fit, but when it's dangerous for them to get here we want to encourage people to run and walk and bike," said owner Lance Brock. "I don't even run that way anymore because I don't want to run through the tunnel."
For 34 years, neighbor Joe Connell has watched his neighbors fight for change. He's pessimistic about progress.
"I don't think anything will (change). Really, I wished it would but I don't think so," said Connell.
Metro Councilman Jason Holleman planned to broach the topic with Metro's Planning Commission but said money would likely be a major roadblock in implementing safety changes.
Email: ahara@newschannel5.com
