A group of neighbors, music industry professionals and artists is pitching a new redevelopment vision for the [Nashville] fairgrounds in hopes of leapfrogging the long-discussed NASCAR racetrack plan, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: The future of the city-owned racetrack has been a political knife fight spanning five mayors. The debate pits racing enthusiasts who revere the track’s history against neighbors and critics worried about noise and city spending on an entertainment venue.
Driving the news: The new proposal is the first in recent memory not to include NASCAR. The plan, which the group has begun pitching to city officials, calls for housing and rehearsal space for artists, a park and a small track for electric car racing.
Reality check: Getting the plan approved would be a mammoth undertaking requiring buy-in from the mayor, Metro Council and fair board.
— Axios Nashville —
AND:
Bristol statement from Jerry Caldwell on the proposal that became public today to challenge Bristol’s Fairgrounds Speedway plan: https://t.co/guSz0OZrOo pic.twitter.com/mLqmSAJD3s
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 21, 2023