Kelley’s Point at Brookmeade Park fights a new battle

https://www.reclaimbrookmeadepark.com

For the last five years, the homeless population has grown to around 100 people, mostly young white males. The population is so large that citizens are afraid to use the park. Recent efforts are underway to relocate the campers into Section 8 housing. The problem is that there is very little availably in the city.

The city Greenway was established in 2004. Not only did it once offer a beautiful vista on the bluffs of the Cumberland River, it was also the site of a historic American Civil War naval battle preceding the Battle of Nashville. It’s also the site of hundreds of Native American stone box graves.

The recent explosion of new real estate development has increased the demand for parks and greenways. This park is so overrun with indigent residents, visitors report feeling unsafe in the 14 acre wooded enclave. The problem has spilled over into the commercial business, which report escalating petty-crime and pan-handlers.

This virtual tour was shot August 21, 2021. It illustrates the explosion of the problem since 2016 seen here on Google Maps.

UPDATE: Nashville Metro Parks started a partial cleanup of the park on 25 August 2021. Secondary cleanup 16 September 2021. This phase removed an alleged heroin distribution center.

Before (2016)

After (2021)

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