Buchanan Street Residents Divided Over New Business Restrictions

Proposed zoning overlay aims to limit certain businesses, sparking debate in Nashville community.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Residents and business owners on Nashville's Buchanan Street are divided over a proposed zoning overlay that would limit certain types of businesses, such as payday loan stores, pawnshops, and bars, from opening in the historically Black commercial district. Supporters say the overlay would help preserve the community's character, while opponents worry it could prevent new businesses from moving in and unfairly target the neighborhood.

Why it matters

The debate over the Buchanan Street overlay highlights the ongoing tension between preserving the cultural identity of historically marginalized communities and allowing for economic development. As Nashville continues to grow and change, this zoning decision could set a precedent for how the city balances the needs of residents and businesses in other neighborhoods.

The details

The proposed commercial compatibility overlay would prohibit new "alternative financial services" like payday lenders and pawnshops, as well as impose restrictions on the hours and locations of bars and nightclubs. While existing businesses would be grandfathered in, the overlay is intended to shape the future development of the Buchanan Street corridor. Supporters, including Council member Brandon Taylor, say the goal is to "preserve and support Black community" in the area. But opponents, like business owners Valeria Lopez and Tequila Johnson, worry the overlay could prevent new businesses from opening and unfairly target the neighborhood.

  • The Metro Nashville Council approved the commercial compatibility overlay in October 2025.
  • The Buchanan Street overlay proposal was discussed at a community meeting on February 21, 2026.
  • The Council voted to approve the Buchanan Street overlay on March 3, 2026.
  • The overlay is scheduled for final approval at the Council's March 17, 2026 meeting.

The players

Brandon Taylor

Council member who spearheaded the commercial compatibility overlay and is proposing to apply it to Buchanan Street.

Derrick Moore

Co-owner of Slim & Husky's restaurant on Buchanan Street, who spoke in favor of the overlay.

Jordan Harris

Owner of Alkebu-Lan Images Bookstore, the only Black-owned bookstore in Nashville, who expressed concerns about the overlay.

Valeria Lopez

Owner of Chandelier event space on Buchanan Street, who opposed the overlay.

Tequila Johnson

Co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit Equity Alliance, who spoke against the overlay at a public hearing.

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What they’re saying

“My goal, number one, is to preserve and support Black community, simply put. And when I say Black community, the businesses, the neighboring businesses, the neighbors, the residents that live there, those are the people I want to preserve, I want to protect.”

— Brandon Taylor, Council member (The Tennessean)

“If we can reason together, this is a historic moment. So I would ask all of you to show each other a little patience, to show each other a little grace.”

— William Jenkins, Film producer (The Tennessean)

“Why Buchanan Street? Why does it have to be the guinea pig?”

— Valeria Lopez, Owner, Chandelier event space (The Tennessean)

What’s next

The Buchanan Street overlay proposal is scheduled for final approval by the Metro Nashville Council at their March 17, 2026 meeting.

The takeaway

The debate over the Buchanan Street overlay highlights the complex balance between preserving the cultural identity of historically marginalized communities and allowing for economic development. As Nashville continues to grow, this decision could set an important precedent for how the city approaches zoning and development in other neighborhoods.