Tennessee lawmaker writes city leaders an urgent letter to improve greenway safety

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A state lawmaker is asking Nashville leaders to take urgent action on city greenways. This all comes after 34-year-old Alyssa Lokits was shot and killed on the Mill Creek Greenway in Antioch last week while she was exercising.

Rep. Jason Powell (D-Nashville) said he was also at another Nashville greenway last week when a woman ran into the backseat of his car to save her own life. He said the victim was attacked by two unleashed dogs near the Ellington Agricultural Center.

“She was shaken,” said Representative Powell. “She was visibly upset, and she had injuries that required her to go to the hospital.”

The attack is one reason he said he wrote a letter to the Nashville mayor, police chief, and Metro Parks director. In it, he asked for safety improvements on the greenway and more enforcement of park laws.

“I try my best to stay out of city issues,” said Powell. “I’m at the state level. I think it’s important for city leaders to run the city government.”

In his letter, Powell said he had seen multiple car break-ins at the Mill Creek Greenway parking lot. He said he is not a safety expert, but he has suggestions like more Metro Nashville Police Department bike patrol units, increased lighting, and emergency call boxes.

WSMV4 spoke with some runners who said those additions would be welcomed.

“I think it would be more beneficial if we had more safety patrol and maybe some security cameras,” said Nareisa Smith.

Powell said he sent the letter on Monday morning and already heard back from Metro Parks, but he said words are not enough.

“I appreciate those responses but what we need is less talk and more action,” Powell added.

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