In essence, there are plans to destroy the buildings and close the fairgrounds. There has been an outcry from the public but, so far not enough to reverse the decision to demolish the racetrack shortly after the first of the year. This is where (in a Central AND traditional location) everything from vintage guitar shows to basket shows are held throughout the year. Not to mention bird shows, gun shows, the monthly Flea Market and all kinds of other stuff. You can reach all members of the Metro council by e-mailing to councilmembers@nashville.gov. Further info is @ www.fairgroundsheritage.org. WW

I set up a site about three years ago to try to bring attention to this issue http://(www.savenashvillespeedway.com ). But the mayor is so set against the fairgrounds, and it appears that the majority of the council are happy to be his yes men, that there's not much that can be done. I did the web site for the speedway (one of the first speedways in the country to have a web site) for about 8 years, and I got to see a lot of great racing. Will be a shame to see it go away. What's next, the Ryman?

Even though I am not a resident of Nashville, I will file a complaint too. They put a high rise building (Sun Trust I think) in the best parking lot in downtown Nashville. It is crammed right up next to the Ryman and just ruins the looks of the area, not to mention, destroyed a much needed handy parking lot.

Well hats off to you, Glenn for doing that. I sent an e-mail to that metro council e-mail address and have already gotten replies from four of them. Don't know how many there are. Two of them were in total agreement with me. The other two simply thanked me for my input not letting on how they felt. I urge everyone who cares about this to send an e-mail to that address I provided in my other post. In it, tell them who you are, where you live. Local consituency counts big time but, out of towners (tourist $!) count, too! Tell them why you think it should stand, the stuff you like that it provides, etc. I pointed out that there are vintage guitar shows, bird shows, gun shows, civil war collector shows, jewlery shows, basket shows...you name it. It's all in a central location and it's a Nashville landmark/tradition. You know "they" almost tore down the Ryman at one point. Oh, yeah...the monthly FLEA MARKET is held there, too, not to mention the STATE FAIR! WW

What is it, that they want to put in it's place? Maybe by suggesting alternative sites for that, would be an effective approach?

beginning to sound a lot like Houston! I'll do what I can, I seriously dislike when a city will tear down a perfecly functional facility, conveniently located at that to build some horrible monstrosity that will not live up to the hype. I'm still sore that Houston has no sense of history and acutally tore down the Colisuem/Music Hall complex...for god's sake...The Beatles played there!!!!! I'll do what I can for this multi-use complex!

They tore down the Cavern Club in Liverpool to build a parking garage that never got built! When you go there, it's all about promoting Beatles related tourism: "Four Lads Who Shook The World" and all that but, they tore down the Cavern Club? I'm not sure just what they plan to do, Linda. There was talk of destroying the race track (loved by Nascar fans and drivers), creating a "green space" park or something (not bad, granted) and perhaps erecting some office buildings. Ooh, scary! Not only that but, there may be some complicated agendas and money exchanges surrounding outsourcing of the Fair and all sorts of other stuff. Don't wanna get caught up in hearsay. I just say, e-mail the council. Thanks! P.S. The Ryman auditorium really did come perilously close to being demolished one time.

Nees, our mayor got it in his head to build a second convention center down town. One of the businesses that got "eminent domained" was the Musicians Hall of Fame. Our mayor has no sense of the historic value of certain sites and places; he's bound and determined to leave his mark on this city, whether or not the taxpayers want it. If you ask me, his "mark" is a stain...

yeah Webb, that space in Mathew street is part parking lot, part mall and part of the "new" Cavern club. The last band I saw play there was a bit of a hoot, it was.....The Pete Best Band, they almost blew the bricks away.
I stayed near that area of N'ville when I was there a couple of weeks ago, would that be a good spot for "green space"? I'm for nature (there IS a reason they call me naturegirl) but tearing that complex down could only mean that there would have to be something built elsewhere to accomodate the events that took place there, a chain if you will.
I hope the people can make a difference! Viva La Revolucion!

Eminent Domain: Ain't that where some rich folks bribe a politician to steal some poor folks' land?

BECAUSE of the ousting of the Musician's Hall of Fame, the unbelievably inconic, precious and historic stuff that was in it had to be stored @ Soundcehck which was super flooded during the record breaking recent flood SO, irreplacable, historically significant, celebrity owned instruments were (in many cases) ruined while others were severely damaged. Just one example is the upright base Lighning Chance played on Hank Sr.'s last recording session which was completely ruined. WW

All good points! And I believe Houston tore down the "8th Wonder of the World", The Astrodome, if I recall correctly. Nashville also sought to tear down the fabulous Art Deco Post Office downtown, which now houses the Frist Museum. Once they're gone, they ain't comin' back.

Fret not, the Astrodome is still standing but who knows what next year holds for it!? There is not the public outcry you would expect for a "wonder" though.

Have the mayor arrested,plant something dirty on his computer.....that'll keep him busy till you can elect competence.

>> the Astrodome is still standing
Unlike the Metrodome!!

wow, I wouldn't have figured the Astrodome was still there