The years-old debate over what should become of the State Fairgrounds south of downtown inched forward again Monday night. About a hundred people showed up to comment on the land, which is coveted by developers and racecar fans alike. For some there, it was a second or third time weighing in.
Four years ago it was up to the State Fair Board to gather public input on redeveloping the 117-acre property. Two years ago Nashville Mayor Karl Dean appointed a similar task force. Now the same question falls to the Metro Planning Department, and the debate hasn’t changed much.
Miller: “I think it’s nice. It’s a traditional place. A lot of folks that live here also go there, especially to the race. It’s good family fun; it’s not that expensive.”
McCune: “You are wrong; I’m sorry. All this place does is give the flea-market people a cheap place to sell their wares. And you and I pay for that!”
Tonya Miller is a candidate for the State House who wants upgrades to the speedway and vendor area. Nancy McCune, would like to see the land replaced with new businesses and apartments. McCune lives a little over a mile from the fairgrounds.
Both their views did align on one point – that the property shouldn’t just sit still as it is now. The two sides have agreed as much for years.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM