Good morning, Nashville. We’ve heard rumblings of some big changes in store for the heavenly patch of grass and flowers that houses our city’s true pride and joy–our full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Centennial Park (also home to some of our other favorite displays such as the half of a fishing boat, a plane, a clam, a Monument to Transportation, and a leftover painted catfish from that art competition a few years back) will be undergoing some renovations soon and not everyone is thrilled about the proposed changes. Specifically, the new plan will remove a lot of the vehicle access which many say will make it harder for folks with physical limitations and disabilities to enjoy the park. Metro Parks officials say that they realize they can’t please everyone, but they’re trying to do what’s best for the city.

• Unemployment benefits extended. President Obama signed a bill extending unemployment benefits yesterday, but we’ll have to wait about two weeks to see the effects in Tennessee. The new bill restores benefits for folks who have been out of work for at least six months, but excludes anyone who has reached their 99-week maximum for benefit collection. Meanwhile Nashville is seeing a pretty steady growth in the job market, but job growth is still not keeping up with labor force growth.
• Terrifying sinkhole in East Nashville. Just when we thought we were safe from sinkholes, a new one has opened up over in East Nashville on Cooper Lane. Though residents say the hole looks small from the outside, they’re able to see about 30 feet down and it’s only getting bigger with each rain. They also claim that Metro Public Works isn’t really helping them, though we suspect that a news story might grab their attention.
• Bits & pieces. We’re happy to hear that Rocketown will be opening their new location on August 5th after having their last building leveled for the Music City Center … Belmont’s construction on the fancy new sportsplex in Rose Park is set to begin this week despite the neighbors’ efforts to stop it … The urban chickens are at it again … This weekend’s temperatures could reach record highs, so pay attention to that heat advisory.

Photo by niseag03.

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