NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — After noise complaints, safety concerns and repeated violations, neighbors living in a popular Nashville neighborhood have said enough is enough.
On Tuesday night, state lawmakers joined people in The Gulch to reveal details about legislation meant to hold bad actors accountable in what they have called a "Ban Bad Builders" campaign.
"We all — here in Downtown Nashville — know that growth is happening and are accustomed to it," Democratic Sen. Jeff Yarbro said. "But it can't happen without any regard for the people that it's happening to."
The sounds and sights of constant construction give residents the sense that something needs to change.
"They're working 24 hours — around the clock," longtime resident of The Gulch, Kevin Kelly, said. "We haven't slept in two-and-a-half years. Frankly, it's ridiculous."
Kelly is one of many residents who said they're fed up with repeated violations, noise disruptions and safety concerns when it comes to construction.
"They can keep all of us up constantly around the clock," Kelly added. "And a $50 fine? It doesn't seem right."
Yarbro and Tennessee state representative Aftyn Behn (D) announced a legislative initiative that would allow cities and counties to impose fines upon contractors who repeatedly violate regulations or fail to prioritize community safety and wellbeing.
"We all know that in the scope of a project like this, a $50 fine is no deterrent at all," Yarbro added. "It becomes part of the cost of doing business, but that's doing business illegally."
One of the most recent incidents came after there were complaints of crews working outside designated hours on Sunday mornings despite strict rules put forth by Metro Codes.
"There have to be methods for local governments to identify these truly bad actors who are persistently violating all standards of decency and neglecting community safety, and we've got to be able to empower those local governments to do something about it," Yarbro said.
The 'Ban Bad Builders' Campaign aims to do the following:
- Empower Nashville residents by exposing negligent contractors
- Advocate for stricter enforcement of Metro Codes rules
- Ensure contractors respect the communities where they operate
Lawmakers said they plan on bringing the legislation up during the next session, set to start in January.