NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — More road closures have gone in effect ahead of Thursday's presidential debate at Belmont University.
Earlier this week, Acklen Avenue closed from 17th to 18th Avenue, while Belmont Boulevard closed from Portland Avenue to Bernard Avenue.
Many more ROAD CLOSURES going into effect today at @BelmontUniv for the final #PresidentialDebate2020 @NC5 pic.twitter.com/P2UPih6AVE
— Rebecca Schleicher (@NC5_RSchleicher) October 21, 2020
On Wednesday, the following closures went into effect and will remain in place until Friday:
- 15th Avenue South from Ashwood Avenue to Wedgewood Avenue
- Acklen Avenue from 12 Avenue South to 15th Avenue South
- Belmont Boulevard from 18th Avenue South to Delmar Avenue
- Caldwell Avenue from 12th Avenue South to 15 Avenue South
- Compton Avenue from 15th Avenue South to Belmont Boulevard
- Delmar Avenue from 15th Avenue to Belmont Boulevard
As drivers are turned away from streets near Belmont, some businesses aren't happy with the closures during what’s already a difficult financial year.
Although a portion of Belmont Boulevard will close to drivers, people can still walk to businesses. However, well-known breakfast spot Proper Bagel announced it would close all week, saying the road closures will stop their delivery trucks from bringing much-needed supplies.
In an Instagram post, the bagel shop criticized Belmont, saying in part: "Belmont has no concept of what it takes to actually operate a restaurant where everything is made from scratch, daily - on the premises..."
The business went on to call the university "negligent" and "self-serving" for "displacing the business and staff during a pandemic."
A spokesperson for Belmont says they've worked diligently to connect businesses with debate workers and media companies.
Read Belmont's full statement below:
“Belmont University was selected as a host site for a 2020 Presidential Debate last October and has worked closely throughout the past year with federal and local officials to prepare for a safe and secure event. While any event of this size brings challenges and inconveniences, we have worked diligently to ensure nearby businesses could not only remain operational but benefit from the Oct. 22 Presidential Debate. Those efforts include:
- Sharing information about the security perimeter five weeks ago when it was established
- Partnering with MNPD to ensure businesses knew they could remain open all week
- Providing information on restaurant access for take outs, deliveries, pickups and more throughout the week, including the 30-hour period when a required closure of Belmont Blvd to vehicles (but not pedestrian traffic) is in effect
- Actively promoting neighborhood businesses to all media and debate guests
- Making connections to visiting media to enable catering agreements”
Read more: What you need to know about Thursday’s presidential debate at Belmont University
