Petition Seeks To Save Nashville Speedway
Aging Complex May Either Be Renovated, Moved
POSTED: 10:50 am CST January 1,
2008
UPDATED: 11:07 am CST January 1,
2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- In 2008, there will likely be a big decision on the future of an old Nashville landmark some want torn down.
Video: Petition Seeks To Save Struggling SpeedwayFor the next couple of months, the fair board will look at what should happen to the aging Music City Motorplex.Many in Nashville have their own ideas, and the race is on to get support.Resident Glen Harness recently started an online petition to keep the 100-year-old landmark rather than relocating it."Within 24 hours of putting the petition online, we had 200 signatures," said Harness.As of Dec. 31, there were 10 times that number, and he hopes that will convince the fair board to grant long term leases with speedway owners. Some believe that this would give the city a better incentive to renovate the facility. Currently Metro offers a five-year lease."Racing is great. It just doesn't belong in an urban setting," said resident Keith Moorman. "I just want the discussion to be a positive one."Moorman has an idea that entails moving the race track and fairgrounds, and then constructing a mixed used development with green space.Some speedway supporters fear if the Motorplex is torn down, it will not be replaced. The fair board has received hundreds of suggestions from the public on what to do.They have hired a consulting firm to study the issue, and they will start holding meetings in the next few weeks. Related Link:
Save The Nashville Speedway
Video: Petition Seeks To Save Struggling SpeedwayFor the next couple of months, the fair board will look at what should happen to the aging Music City Motorplex.Many in Nashville have their own ideas, and the race is on to get support.Resident Glen Harness recently started an online petition to keep the 100-year-old landmark rather than relocating it."Within 24 hours of putting the petition online, we had 200 signatures," said Harness.As of Dec. 31, there were 10 times that number, and he hopes that will convince the fair board to grant long term leases with speedway owners. Some believe that this would give the city a better incentive to renovate the facility. Currently Metro offers a five-year lease."Racing is great. It just doesn't belong in an urban setting," said resident Keith Moorman. "I just want the discussion to be a positive one."Moorman has an idea that entails moving the race track and fairgrounds, and then constructing a mixed used development with green space.Some speedway supporters fear if the Motorplex is torn down, it will not be replaced. The fair board has received hundreds of suggestions from the public on what to do.They have hired a consulting firm to study the issue, and they will start holding meetings in the next few weeks. Related Link:Save The Nashville Speedway
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