News from the Neighborhood
By David Thompson

Recent Crime.
The neighborhood has experienced some disturbing crime recently. On Friday, May 4, I drove past three television news trucks stationed on the corner of 10th Ave. and Caruthers. I had the unfortunate experience of learning that our neighborhood had experienced a shooting in the early morning hours. Two young men were shot and a third apparently escaped without injury. Tragically, it has been reported that drugs were somehow involved in this crime. Police are investigating, but to date no suspects have been apprehended. According to Officer Freemen of Metro Police, the victims are not cooperating with police to identify the attackers. Two things I’d like to point out about this crime:
- First, no matter how great it is to live in our wonderful neighborhood, a crime such as this can have a devastating impact on our sense of personal safety. Above all else, we must do everything we can to promote a safe neighborhood and bring dangerous criminals to justice.  
- Second, a nearby neighbor had intimate details regarding the victims’ apparent involvement with drugs, but never informed the neighborhood association. Please know that the neighborhood association is here to serve the neighbors. We can and should pressure the police department to stop known criminals from carrying out their crimes on our streets. To this neighbor’s credit, the police had been thoroughly advised of this situation, but apparently to no avail. If you are aware of known drug dealing in our neighborhood please let the neighborhood association know so we can stop this dangerous activity. Drugs and guns often go hand in hand.
    Another crime occurred in the 1100 block of Paris Ave. on May 13. A young man was beaten and robbed in his apartment by someone known to him. An investigation is pending. This is a sad situation, but it serves as a reminder that we must be vigilant about who is in our neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and their frequent guests. As our councilman said recently, you should know who lives next to you, who lives across the street and who lives behind you. If you don’t, not only is that not neighborly, it could put you at risk when an unidentified stranger comes around—“who is that guy and where does he live” is not a comforting question to ask.

Fairgrounds Race Track.
For years, neighbors have complained about the noise that comes from the racetrack at the Fairgrounds. Many have pondered whether a race track is appropriate so close to residential areas. Now is your chance to let the Fairgrounds Board know how you feel. The lease for the Music City Motorplex will expire in October 2008. The current lease holder will then ask for a 20-year lease (City Paper, May 21, 2007). The Tennessee State Fair Board of Commissioners has
prepared an online survey at: www.metrosbo.com/tn-state-fairgrounds. Responses may also be mailed to: Tennessee State Fair, P.O. Box 40208, Nashville, TN, 37204. Survey responses due by 2 p.m. on June 8th. For more information, call Dave Jeter at 862-8980.

12South NA Budget.
What is the budget for the 12South Neighborhood Association and how is money spent? Come to the June meeting in order to participate in a discussion about the budget and how the neighborhood association should spend its money.

Traffic Island Sign.
Travel down 12th Ave. frequently? Check out the neighborhood’s new sign in the traffic island at 12th and Ashwood avenues. The sign should be in place on or before Friday, June 1.

District 17 Council Forum.
Stay tuned for more information on a to-be-planned forum with the candidates for District 17 who are vying to replace Ronnie Greer.

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Beautification Notes
By Ken Winter

Block Beauty
A first-in-a-series article on “good works” on individual blocks is in the works. The guinea pig is the 900 block of Halcyon, where neighbors are admirably fixing up houses and planting gardens. May we write a few sentences about your project on that block? Nominate another block?

Neighborhood Watch
About 25 Sunnysiders and 12Southers have signed up to improve communication among neighbors and with police about crime. Anyone wishing to simply be alert for and report possibly threatening situations is welcome to participate.

Home Security
If you missed the list of low-cost home security measures in the December 2006 newsletter, please request a copy. Be aware of pick-up trucks cruising the alleys and streets for “junk.” Some are legitimate “recyclers;” some are not.

2008 Neighborhood Tour
As reported in May, the 2007 tour was outstanding; 50 of us and 300 visitors had a great time touring eight homes and three gardens on six of our streets. How about your house or garden for next year?

For information on any of the above, contact Ken Winter, 385-9762 or kcwinter@earthlink.net.  

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Politics for Neighbors
By Ken Winter
The recently formed Nashville Neighborhood Defense Fund aims to elect neighborhood-friendly leaders in Metro. It is a political action committee (PAC) for individuals who wish to work for the welfare of the small communities where we live, shop, play, worship and work. A membership event is forthcoming.
   
For more information, contact Ken Winter, 385-9762 or kcwinter@earthlink.net.

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Become a Member of the 12South Neighborhood Association
Become a member of the 12South Neighborhood Association. Dues are only $10 per person per year. If you’re 55 or older, dues are only $5 per person per year. Dues support various neighborhood projects such as the home tour, neighborhood clean-ups and the newsletter.
   
Make your check payable to: 12South Neighborhood Association and send it to Bernadette Welch, Treasurer, P.O. Box 158603, Nashville, TN 37215-8603.

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HOMES FOR SALE by Alyssa Gilliam
2405 Elliott, $199.9K, 888 sq. ft., 661-4400
2502 9th Ave. S, $215K, 948 sq. ft., 383-3142
2402 9th Ave. S, $249K, 1,916 sq. ft., 333-7400
926 Benton, $249.9K, 1,406 sq. ft., 221-8788
1010 S. Douglas, $255K, 1,273 sq. ft., 425-3600
911 Montrose, $265K, 1,270 sq. ft., 383-2050
1401 Paris, $284.9K, 1,002 sq. ft., 263-4800
2500 9th Ave. S, $295K, 1,700 sq. ft., 333-7400
2121 Elliott, $299.9K 1,375 sq. ft., 263-4800
1905 10th Ave. S, $317.9K, 1,284 sq. ft., 298-9200
1014 Paris, $319.9K 1,445 sq. ft., 263-4800
915 Waldkirch, $349K, 2,294 sq. ft., 298-9200
925 Benton, $359.9K, 1,702 sq. ft., 360-3600
1904 Elliott, $359.9K, 2,261 sq. ft., 292-3552
2037 Elliott, $367K, 1,931 sq. ft., 297-8744
1109 S. Douglas, $375.9K, 2,208 sq. ft., 298-9200
820 Glen, $399.9K, 1,889 sq. ft., 865-1020
826 Benton, $419.9K, 2,400 sq. ft., 425-3600
924 S. Douglas, $442.5K, 2,124 sq. ft., 383-6964
1011 Halcyon, $444.9K, 2,124 sq. ft., 383-6964
1519 Clayton, $465K, 2,472 sq. ft., 383-0183
1001 Caruthers, $465K, 3,479 sq. ft., 327-4800
907 Knox, $469.9K, 2,690 sq. ft., 385-9010
924 S. Douglas, $494.9K, 2,476 sq. ft., 383-6964
2608 Vaulx, $499K, 2,560 sq. ft., 656-3000
1518 Kirkwood, $499K, 2,700 sq. ft., 714-3232
1020 Gale, $499.9K, 2,342 sq. ft., 373-2814
933 Kirkwood, $545K, 2,800 sq. ft., 383-6964
917 Knox, $549.9K, 2,849 sq. ft., 371-0185
1513 Clayton, $549.9K, 2,772 sq. ft., 383-0000
913 Caruthers, $559K, 2,633 sq. ft., 444-0909
2105 10th Ave. S, $569K, 3,044 sq. ft., 425-3600
935 Kirkwood, $569K, 3,100 sq. ft., 383-6964
920 Montrose, $589.9K, 2,930 sq. ft., 661-4400
1102 Caldwell, $599K, 3,592 sq. ft., 425-3600
829B Clayton, $625K, 3,207 sq. ft., 386-7152
1404 Paris, $639.9K, 3,069 sq. ft., 383-6964
815 Halcyon, $649K, 3,214 sq. ft., 425-2600

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June Calendar
June 8: Fairgrounds Surveys Due by 2 p.m.
June 12: 12South Neighborhood Meeting, 7 p.m., 917 Gilmore Ave.
June 14: Flag Day
June 17: Father’s Day

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3 is the Magic Number
It is very important that every incident of crime be reported to three phone numbers.
1) Police Non-emergency: 862-8600
2) Sgt. Connie Tripp: 862-7747, ctripp@police.nashville.org
3) 12South Neighborhood Association: 463-2795, 12southneighbors@bellsouth.net

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Clip & Save: Important Phone Numbers
Bulk-item pick up: 880-3897
Report illegal dumping, sewage, excessive vegetation & littered vacant lots to the Metro Health Dept. (Metro will investigate within 24 hours.): 340-5644
Councilman Ronnie Greer, Dist. 17 (east side of 12th Ave. S.): ronnie.greer@nashville.gov, 385-2893
Councilwoman Ginger Hausser, Dist. 18 (west side of 12th Ave. S.): ginger.hausser@nashville.gov, 783-0106
Police: Non-emergency: 862-8600
Larry Cole, Metro’s Vector Control (rodent problems): 340-5668
Abandoned Cars (on street/private property): 862-6590
Call-before-you-dig: 1-800-351-1111
Animal Control: 862-7928
Chipper Service: 862-8971

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Advertise With Us! Make the most of your free, widely distributed, neighborhood newsletter—advertise your business and classified items with us! Business rates: $20 /month or $200 / year for a display ad; $10 /month or $100/year for a three-lined classified ad. Resident rates: $5/month for a classified ad. (Send a jpeg of artwork/business card, etc. to be included in ad.) The deadline for the July newsletter is 5 p.m., Friday, June 22. Send ads/questions to Melanie Moran at melanie.moran@12South.org or call her at 297-8204.

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The 12South Neighborhood Association is a Tennessee non-profit membership corporation governed by a board of directors. The board holds neighborhood meetings each second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at locations published by newsletter and e-mail. Anyone living in or owning property or a business in the 12South Neighborhood (generally, areas adjacent to 12th Ave. South between Wedgewood Ave. and Gale Lane) may become a voting member of the Association by paying annual dues of $10 per person or $5 per person if 65 or older. The Association’s meetings, events, and e-mail list are open to everyone in the 12South Neighborhood regardless of membership. Contact Bernadette Welch at bernadettewelch@yahoo.com for more information. Send neighborhood news to Melanie Moran at melanie.moran@12South.org or 297-8204.

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Officers/Staff
President: David Thompson, dthompson@nealharwell.com
Treasurer / Secretary: Bernadette Welch, bernadettewelch@yahoo.com
Newsletter Editor: Melanie Moran, 297-8204 or melanie.moran@12South.org
Newsletter Designer: Wendy Stamberger, stamco@bellsouth.net