RESOLUTION NO. RS2009-1044

A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Board of Fair Commissioners to hold a State Fair on the Fairgrounds property in 2010 and to explore a public-private partnership for the development of a portion of the Fairgrounds as a corporate center.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government is the owner of real property commonly known as the Tennessee State Fairgrounds; and

WHEREAS, the Fairgrounds property is currently under the control of the Metropolitan Board of Fair Commissioners, which is an instrumentality of the Metropolitan Government created by Chapter 515, Tennessee Private Acts of 1923; and

WHEREAS, the Fair Board was created for the purpose of establishing, maintaining, and operating a fair for the people of Nashville and Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, on October 6, 2009, the Fair Board voted to continue operation of the Fairgrounds through June 30, 2010, and to explore alternative accommodations for events held at the Fairgrounds; and

WHEREAS, since the week of the 2009 State Fair in September, when the Mayor prematurely announced the decision to close the Fairgrounds, Members of Council have received numerous phone calls and emails expressing their desire that the State Fair remain at the Fairgrounds; and

WHEREAS, although in recent years funds have been appropriated from the Fair Board’s reserve account to balance revenue shortfalls, attendance at the State Fair has been strong and the Fair Board should continue to look for private sponsors to make the fair financially viable; and

WHEREAS, the media has recently reported that the Administration has been in discussions with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) regarding a possible redevelopment of the Fairgrounds property as a corporate headquarters; and

WHEREAS, given the 117-acre size of the Fairgrounds property, it seems possible that a portion of the property could be redeveloped as a corporate headquarters while keeping a majority of the site for Fairgrounds purposes.

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

Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Board of Fair Commissioners to hold a State Fair on the Fairgrounds property in 2010 and to explore a public-private partnership for the development of a portion of the Fairgrounds as a corporate center. Such public-private partnership could consist of the sale of a portion of the Fairgrounds at a below-market price, and the creation of a Joint Fairgrounds Master Development Plan where the private corporation would assist in the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the portion of the property used for Fairgrounds purposes.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to State Fair Director Buck Dozier and to each member of the Board of Fair Commissioners.

Section 3. 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: Eric Crafton