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!
