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History
Our members are strictly merchants,
residents and neighborhood groups from the Dickerson Road
community. When the Dickerson Road Merchants' Association
(DRMA) was formed in February of 1997, we faced a
neighborhood in transition. There were the historic problems
of "drugs and prostitution" and the negative stigma attached
to the Dickerson Pike area. On the positive side is the
tremendous potential of the area, the optimism of the
merchants and the residents, and the major positive changes
happening in our part of the city. With our new community
bookends, The Coliseum and Skyline Medical Center, the
potential of the Dickerson Road area is unlimited. Other
major positive projects in our area include the construction
of the River Chase Apartments, the construction of the new
AM/PM Market, Subway and Godfather's Pizza as well as the
approval of Nashville Commons at Skyline, a new
$75,000,000.00 shopping center to be built across from
Skyline Medical Center. Most recently additional funding has
been acquired through DRMA efforts in amounts totaling more
that 1.9 million dollars in enhancements grants for
improvements south of Douglas Ave. We are continuing to work
toward viable, permanent solutions to create a positive,
lasting change in our community. We have shown that we are
serious, and willing to do our part by standing together as
businesses and neighbors. In light of our efforts, the
politicians and other city officials are listening and
supporting our efforts. The DRMA has forged an effective
partnership of organizations, including the Metropolitan
Planning Department, the Metro Police Department, the
Mayor's Office of Neighborhoods, local politicians,
neighborhood groups, residents and community resource
agencies. In the spring of 2000, the DRMA worked closely
with the Metro Planning Department to develop a new
Dickerson Pike Commercial Area Plan entitled "Planning to
Stay." This comprehensive planning document addresses future
plans for the community in areas such as Image, Business,
Safety and Community. Through the DRMA's interaction with
the Metro Police department, a major anti-crime initiative
is underway and producing results. Crime is down and
property values are up. Through the efforts of the DRMA, a
"Clean-Up Dickerson Road" project is underway. This is an
ongoing project and clean-up days will be held on a regular
basis.
Remember, if those of us who live and
work here aren't willing to be involved in our community,
why should any one care? The DRMA members are committed to
staying in our community and creating a great place to live
and work. We have united our efforts to positively change
this area. We invite you to join us. We're planning to stay.
Contact Us Today!
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