A resolution requesting the members of the Nashville Newspaper Publishers Cooperative, and all publishers who rely on news racks for distribution of printed materials, to make every effort to reach a solution to the problem regarding the proliferation of news racks within the right-of-way prior to January 1, 2006.

WHEREAS, during the previous Metropolitan Council term, possible legislation was discussed to prohibit all single news racks within the public right-of-way; and

WHEREAS, as a result of these discussions, an agreement was entered into between the Central Business Improvement District and publishers who utilize news racks for the distribution of written materials, whereby the publishers agreed to limit the number of news racks and to maintain their appearance; and

WHEREAS, over the past several years, the downtown Nashville area has experienced a proliferation of news racks within the public right-of-way, which negatively impacts the appearance of streets, sidewalks, and adjacent business, and impedes pedestrian use of sidewalks; and

WHEREAS, business owners within the Central Business Improvement District have been increasingly complaining about these news racks and their negative impact on the downtown area; and

WHEREAS, legislation has recently been drafted that would substantially limit the placement of news racks within the public right-of-way; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the publishers to collectively find a solution to the news rack problem in order to avoid further action regarding this legislation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the members of the Nashville Newspaper Publishers Cooperative, and all publishers who rely on news racks for distribution of printed materials, to make every effort to reach a solution to the problem regarding the proliferation of news racks within the right-of-way prior to January 1, 2006.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Nashville Publishers Cooperative.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Mike Jameson