To the editor:

I have served for the past few months on the Development Review Commission (DRC) for the Town of Nashville.

During those meetings, I have been distressed to find that the large binder of “guidelines” given to the DRC by the town are disregarded for certain applicants — a good example being the awning that is twice the size allowed, and in violation of three of the guidelines the DRC was given to enforce, but placed at Big Woods Pizza. Because the business owner installed it prior to the DRC meeting where it was to be discussed, they were not instructed to correct the size or remove it.

When I saw the awning in place, and questioned it at our scheduled DRC meeting, I cited the guidelines that it violated, and I was told by DRC President Penny Scroggins, “Tricia, these guidelines are only guidelines.”

Quite simply, the “guidelines” the town has set for the DRC to “enforce” have no teeth whatsoever. As a result, some business owners are denied projects, while others are given free rein to do as they please. This defeats the purpose of the commission and allows the town to continue its path of tacky, “circus-like,” gaudy, faux store fronts and tasteless decor.

I wanted to sit on this commission to help preserve the history and integrity of Nashville. But I find it is a practice in futility if our “leaders” are not leading, but instead are following the money and greed of some businesses, while throwing the beauty, integrity and history of Nashville to the wind.

I will have no part in that process, and by this letter decline to keep my seat on the DRC.

(Letter copied to the DRC and Nashville Town Council via Phyllis Carr and Laura Renwick of Indiana Landmarks.)

Sincerely,

Tricia Bock, Nashville

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