Help Save The Race Track/Fairgrounds

Help Save the Fairgrounds/Race Track

2008-10-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

If you do not keep up with the news, you may not be aware that the State Fair Board has been accepting proposals to move the State Fairgrounds here in Nashville and sell the property to developers. However, the Tennessee Legislature, back in 1909 when the Fairgrounds were first established, passed legislation to make any sale of the Fairgrounds illegal. The Legislature specified that if Davidson County wished to divest itself of the Fairgrounds, it could only be under certain conditions, and then the property could only revert to the original owners. The obvious intent was to bar Davidson County from making a “windfall” profit from the sale of property that belongs to the people of Tennessee.

However the current Fair Board, apparently in an effort to increase the Davidson County tax base, feels that it’s OK to attempt to side-step the Legislation and sell the Fairgrounds.

But even if it were legal to sell the Fairgrounds, it’s likely to cost more to move it and develop a new location than to leave it where it is and to make improvements on the current property. Further, the Fairground is surrounded by middle-class housing, which would likely suffer an additional tax burden if the proposed extensive new development were to take place. Most of the re-development proposals involve building condominiums and/or strip malls.

Currently the Fairgrounds are very centrally located for all the residents of Davidson County with ideal access both by public transportation and interstate connections. So far, the only proposal for the new location is on property in Bordeaux, near the county landfill. This would be a limiting factor as far as access to the Fairgrounds by the majority of residents. This central location is also a selling point for non-fair events such as the Christmas show, the flea market and other events.

The Fairgrounds also currently contribute to the local businesses such as restaurants, motels, and gas stations surrounding the property.

At this time, the top four money-makers for the Fairgrounds are the flea market, the racetrack, wrestling matches, and the annual State Fair. All of these would be impacted as far as attendance and participation if the Fairgrounds were moved to an outer part of the county. A non-central location would also be a limiting factor to increasing the non-fair usage for other shows and events.

The noise generated by the racetrack has been mentioned as a factor, but the racetrack has been there for over 100 years, with auto racing having over a 50 year history there. The racetrack has been there and in operation before any of the local residents moved into the neighborhood; therefore they were all well aware of any racetrack noise before they moved into the area. And there have been some recent improvements in the sound levels by limiting the practice times of the race cars and requiring mufflers to be installed on them.

The Fairground property itself is also rich in history, other than the history of the State Fair and the racetrack. That property is that last large portion of the original tract of land owned by John Rains, who came to this area along with James Robertson to found the city of Nashville. There was once a blockhouse fort on this property that supported the defense of Fort Nashboro.

Surveys taken of the local residents indicate an overwhelming majority wish the Fairgrounds to remain right where it is, and for improvements to be made to the property.

So why is the Fair Board even considering the illegal sale of the Fairgrounds? The only reason that seems evident, is that it would make a short-term profit for Davidson County.

But this short-term profit would be more than compromised by the additional tax burden on the local residents, the loss of income to local businesses, the loss of revenue due to a non-central location and the cost of establishing a new fairgrounds and all of it’s facilities. Not to mention the historical loss.

But this does not have to be. The Fairgrounds belong to you, the people of Tennessee, and you, the people can insist that the Fair Board and Davidson County follow the existing legislation and leave the Fairgrounds in its present location and make the needed improvements to keep it a viable property for the people.

You can do this by making your wishes known to the “powers that be.” If we the people write the Mayor, the City Council, the Fair Board— even the governor and your state legislators if you wish—then we can insure that the law is followed. Tell them that you want this property that belongs to the people to remain intact. The only changes that need to be made are improvements. Tell them to follow the law as it is written.

If we all stand together, we can be assured that this valuable asset remains forever the property of the people, and will be passed along to our children and our descendants, just as it has been for the past 100 years.

Thanks,

Lisa Leeds (leeds42us@gmail.com)

Help Save the Race Track/Fairgrounds

2008-10-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

If you have read the newspaper or watched the news there could be a great injustice going on at the [Nashville, TN] Fairgrounds/Race Track. They (city) are trying to take your Fair Grounds and sell it to a Developer and move your State Fair and you the people of the State of TN that is your property and you have a say on if you want the Fair to Stay or Go. You the people of the State of TN need to tell the Fair Board to leave your property alone. And leave the State Fair right where it is. And fix it up. The City/State does not need to burden on the tax payers to move the Fairgrounds. Because, if they move the Fairgrounds the property taxes around the Fairgrounds property will go up. No, this is not right at all.

According to the City Charter the Fair Board can not sell that property and could be a great injustice being done to the people of the State of TN. Where you need to look in the City Charter is Administration Fair Board Commissioners Acts of 1909 Chapter 490 Section 7 and this was passed 1909.
COMPILER'S NOTE: This general law established the Board of Fair Trustees of the State of
Tennessee. Sections 2 and 7 directly pertain to Davidson County.
SECTION 2. That the said Board of Fair Trustees is hereby invested with the power,
authority, and duty to take complete charge and control, in behalf of the State of Tennessee, of any
property which may hereafter be purchased by Davidson County and conveyed or leased by Davidson
County to the State of Tennessee for the holding thereon of a State Fair, and they shall use and
maintain said property by holding thereon at least once a year for not less than six days a fair or
exposition for the benefit of the people of Tennessee, at which shall be exhibited, as far as possible,
the resources and developments of the State of Tennessee and the progress of its people in all kinds
of enterprise and endeavor. ...

SECTION 7. That should any property be conveyed or leased by Davidson County to the
State of Tennessee as aforesaid, for the purpose of holding thereon said annual fairs, the said Board
of Fair Trustees shall use and maintain said property for the purpose set forth in this Act, and should
said property, without good and sufficient cause, such as bad weather, fire, storm, pestilence war, etc.
cease to be used for the purpose herein set forth for a period of two years, beginning with the last day
of any annual fair, then and in that event said property, with all fixtures thereon, shall revert back to
and become the absolute property of the donor or conveyor, and all right, title, and interest whatever
in said property which shall have been acquired by the State of Tennessee shall become null, void, and
extinguished. This provision shall constitute a condition of the acceptance and use of said property
by the State of Tennessee. In this manner and upon this condition the State of Tennessee through
its said Board of Fair Trustees, shall accept and use such property as may be conveyed, leased, or
otherwise tendered to the State of Tennessee by Davidson County for the purpose of holding thereon
an annual State Fair; ...
Passed: May 1, 1909.

METROPOLITAN BOARD OF FAIR COMMISSIONERS
Sec. 11.602. Functions and duties.
It shall be the duty of the metropolitan board of fair commissioners to:
(a) Exercise all the powers and perform all the duties heretofore or hereafter imposed on the Board of Fair Commissioners of Davidson County, as established by chapter 490 of the Acts of Tennessee for 1909 and chapter 515 of the Private Acts of 1923 and amendments thereto.
(b) Within the limitation of its budget appropriation and funds otherwise available, employ and fix the compensation of such personnel as may be necessary.
(c) Perform such other duties as may be imposed upon the board by ordinance

The other matter is the Race Track and truthfully that is part of NASCARS History.To all would you all please find in your heart to help us save the Race Track at the Fairgrounds here in Nashville, TN.? As some of you know they are trying to do a way with the State Fair and also the Race Track so if you like racing please sign this petition.
http://www.petitiononline.com/RaceFair/petition.html

I am just one person and I alone can not stop what could be an great injustice by myself I need the people of the State of TN to help so I call on you the people of the State of TN to stand with me and help me fight what could be an great injustice. And together we can beat the Fair Board and the City. Here is my proposal that I have sent on behalf of the people of the State of TN.
http://lewisdt.com/lpmndc/FairgroundsProposal.pdf

Thanks
Lisa Leeds (leeds42us@gmail.com)

Next Fair Board Meeting Oct 7th at 8am to 9am

History of the TN State Fairgrounds

2008-09-17T06:22:00.000-07:00

http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/RAINS/2001-05/0989169949

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gowenrf/nl199305.htm

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~gowenrf/Gowenms044.htm

http://davidsoncocemeterysurvey.com/Cemeteries/M/rains_john_cemetery.htm

http://www.cityscope.net/~daryl/rains-f.html

http://www.txgenes.com/txrains/Misc/rainextfam.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Edward_Rains
CAPTAIN JOHN RAINS (Pioneer hunter and settler)On Christmas 1779 he led his family and livestock across the frozen Cumberland and settled in this vicinity. In 1784 he built a fort that enclosed the spring 75 yards east. At James Robertson's orders he often led a company of scouts against Indians. His home was on this hell until he died in 1834, age 81.

http://www.nostalgiaville.com/travel/Tennessee/Davidson/372048thav/8thav1.htm

http://www.johnbellhood.org/aot.htm

http://www.txgenes.com/txrains/Misc/rainextfam.htm

http://jrshelby.com/rfotw/genjames.htm

http://www.geocities.com/qatballou_laura/history/history_tennessee_settlers_of_nashville.htm

Help Save the Race Track/Fairgrounds

2008-08-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

2008-08-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Lisa Leeds for Tennessee House 58
Voice Phone Number: (615) 275-5279
Email Address: leeds42us@gmail.com
Website URL: www.lisaleeds2008.com
Lisa Leeds, Libertarian Candidate for Tennessee House
58, calls for Fair Board to follow the Metro Charter
Nashville, Tennessee, August 6, 2008: Lisa Leeds the Libertarian candidate for
Tennessee House District 58 recognizes that America is a land of law, where everyone
including the government must follow the law. As the Constitution is the supreme law
of the land, a municipal charter is the supreme law of a Municipality, such as
Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson Count. Just as elected and appointed officials are
under oath to uphold the Constitution, so everyone in Metro Government is bound to
uphold the Metro Charter.
As the Fair Board is considering the future of the State Fairground and Music City
Motorplex, they are bound under oath to uphold the Metro Charter. The Charter requires
Metro government to operate a State Fair on the property unless “bad weather, fire,
storm, pestilence, war, etc” occur. Lisa Leeds offers the only proposal that follows the
Metro Charter.
A Proposal for the Tennessee State Fairgrounds outlines a number of ways the fair
grounds can be improved and made more viable and profitable. While the Charter
requires Metro Government to operate the fair and maintain the fairground it allows a
certain degree of flexibility in implementing these solutions. A Proposal for the
Tennessee State Fairgrounds includes components that will improve the fairgrounds
while eventually saving the taxpayers money. While some of the improvements, such as
installing solar panels on the roofs of building might be implemented with government
funding, they actually could contribute to greatly reducing the cost of operating the
fairgrounds. This proposal honors the charter while meeting the needs of the community
and the fine people of the State of Tennessee.
For additional information on Lisa Leeds Libertarian Candidacy for Tennessee House
District 58, short statements, or to schedule a full interview please contact Lisa Leeds for
Tennessee House 58 at (615) 275-5279 or visit www.lisaleeds2008.com. END

Save Nashville Speedway Petition

2008-08-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

Save Nashville Speedway Petition

News Paper Articles about the Fairgrounds/Race Track

2008-08-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.markinconsulting.com/TSFStudy.htm
http://savenashvillespeedway.com/blog/
http://www.speed51.com/2007_stories/Specials/nashville_track_struggles.html
http://savenashvillespeedway.com/blog/petition-to-save-nashville-speedway
http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080716/SPORTS09/80716116/1002/SPORTS
http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=60541
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080717/SPORTS09/807170358
http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=8701161
http://www.wsmv.com/news/16854643/detail.html
http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=60508
http://blogs.nashvillescene.com/pitw/2007/11/fair_enough.php
http://www.nashvillepost.com/news/2007/11/2/nashville_now_and_then_prime_property
http://nashvilleblotter.blogspot.com/2007/08/question-for-karl-dean-about.html

There are 2 meetings to happen about this issue

2008-08-03T12:11:00.001-07:00

Meeting one:
Aug 5th at 8am
Fair Commissioners will meet in grandstand board
http://www.tennesseestatefair.org/boardagenda.htm

Meeting two:
Public meeting set for Wednesday, August 20, 6:00 pm - 8:00pm in Wilson
Hall at the Fairgrounds

Help Save the Race Track/Fairgrounds

2008-08-03T12:08:00.000-07:00