by Amanda Hara
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Residents in the 12th South neighborhood said they were excited about new restaurant developments coming to their neighborhood but concerned about the traffic the additional businesses will bring.
Pedestrian signs at both entrances of the neighborhood already caution drivers to yield to foot traffic.
With more mixed-use buildings and eateries on the way, the Neighborhood Association wants even more done.
"We need to find a place to park people. Traffic safety and pedestrian safety is an issue," said association president Brad Northcut.
One of the heavily visited shops is Casablanca Coffee, a shop that had a slow start opening up two years ago.
"It was kind of cricket-land a little bit," said manager Rose Belt.
At the time, owners had hoped nearby condo buildings would stimulate business.
"We thought they were going to be filled faster than they were and it just took more time than we were expecting," said Belt.
She said things have since changed. She said her shop has often been packed at opening time, customers have fought for tables, and Casablanca's Coffee has been in high demand.
Even the valets have noticed a boom in business.
On his first night on the job a year ago, Chase West said he parked maybe 15 cars. He said lately he parks at least 50 each night.
Additional businesses have recently moved in, like Velocity off of 11th Avenue South, and Terrazzo and the Icon off of 12th Avenue South.
Some have positioned plastic replicas of children along neighborhood roads hoping to curb speeding.
"We're just hoping people will take it down a notch to 30 mph and pay attention as they're cruising through the neighborhood," said resident Abbe Keleher.
12th South residents said they have been working with Metro agencies to plan for the influx of traffic. Many have already said they do not want traffic lights to preserve the aesthetics of the neighborhood.
Email: ahara@newschannel5.com
