A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Historical Commission to examine the feasibility of establishing a Metropolitan Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

WHEREAS, on September 22, 2005, the historic Evergreen Place home located at 5007 Gallatin Pike, being the former site of the Jim Reeves Museum, was demolished after the issuance of a demolition permit and then the subsequent issuance of a stop-work order; and

WHEREAS, unfortunately, the Evergreen home remained in a state of major deterioration and disrepair for a number of years prior to its demolition with little efforts made by the property owners or the Metropolitan Government to preserve the structure; and

WHEREAS, cities and counties across the nation, including the City of Jacksonville, Florida, have established Historic Preservation Trust Funds to be used for the acquisition and preservation of historic properties; and

WHEREAS, the City of Jacksonville Historic Preservation Trust Fund is a permanent fund in which private and public donations and contributions, along with certain fines and civil penalties, are used to assist owners of historic buildings in preserving the structures; and

WHEREAS, applicants for Jacksonville's Historic Preservation Trust Fund may obtain assistance from the fund in the form of loans or grants for façade and exterior rehabilitation and restoration programs, code improvement programs, and interior rehabilitation and restoration programs; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Historical Commission examine the feasibility of creating a Historic Preservation Trust Fund for the Metropolitan Government, possibly as a separate nonprofit entity, for the purpose of raising and expending funds to purchase, renovate, and save historic properties in Nashville and Davidson County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Historical Commission to examine the feasibility of establishing a Metropolitan Historic Preservation Trust Fund.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Historical Commission is further requested to respond to the Council within sixty (60) days from the date of the adoption of this Resolution as to the action taken in compliance with the request in Section 1 hereof.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Anne Roberts, the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Historical Commission, and to each member of the Metropolitan Historical Commission.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Charlie Tygard, Mike Jameson