Holleman: Whitland Overlay compromise near

District 24 Councilman Jason Holleman said at the Tuesday Metro Council public hearing that the Whitland Avenue conservation overlay should be ready for approval in March.

The conservation overlay had been deferred in November because the affluent Whitland residents were divided on the issue. Since then opponents and supporters have come together, Holleman said, and developed a compromise that could see the overlay passed when it comes back before Council in March.

Holleman deferred the bill once again, so it will be back on the agenda at the March public hearing.

The overlay would protect the handsome and historic homes on Whitland and give the Historical Commission oversight to see to it that no improper alterations were made.

According to Holleman, the compromise will allow for dormers to be constructed on the front of the homes. Holleman said the edited restrictions for the overlay would still need the approval of the Historical Commission, which would consider the item in February.

Late last year, opponents campaigned up and down the street and produced a list of signatures indicating the residents did not want the overlay. Holleman said his information showed there to be more than 50 percent support.

“I fully anticipate the overlay to pass with majority support,” Holleman said.

Single item beer ban advances

District 19 Councilwoman Erica Gilmore’s bill to ban single item beer sales in Nashville’s urban core passed on first reading. The bill figures to have heated opposition on the heels of concerns raised by prominent lobbyist Joe Hall, who represents Anheuser Busch Company.

Gilmore said she planned to meet with the state grocers association and was hopeful the bill could be passed. A similar piece of legislation failed in 2002 after a divisive debate in Council.