Nashville mayor expresses doubt about fairgrounds racing referendum
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Mayor Freddie O'Connell is skeptical of a proposed referendum that seeks to ban auto racing at the Nashville fairgrounds.
Why it matters: O'Connell continues to weigh a possible deal with Speedway Motorsports Inc. to revitalize the racetrack and potentially bring NASCAR races back to Nashville.
Catch up quick: Racing opponents filed a proposal earlier this month that would amend the city charter to ban auto racing at the fairgrounds.
- Their plan, which requires voter approval, would also remove racing from the list of programming required at the fairgrounds and replace it with affordable or workforce housing.
State of play: In order to put the measure on the November ballot, organizers must gather approximately 53,000 voter signatures. The plan also needs approval from the Metro Charter Revision Commission and the Election Commission.
What he's saying: "It's not a priority for me," he said. "It strikes me as a little bit of repeal and replace. I was struck that it is prescribing a use of affordable housing for what is today a community asset. We've got 526 square miles to use for potential housing, and only 100 acres of fairgrounds."
- O'Connell said it would be like suggesting "we tear down Wave Country and put affordable housing there."
Behind the scenes: A potential financing plan with SMI has been on the table for months, but it's unclear if or when O'Connell will pitch it to Metro Council.
- Under the potential deal, SMI would guarantee the bonds and use funding from the state to help pay for the racetrack project.
The other side: Mike Kopp, spokesperson for the group wanting to ban racing, criticized O'Connell's comments.
- "Nashville's affordability crisis is so vast that it demands a range of solutions, and a run-down speedway site is as good a place as any to get started," Kopp said.
- "We're disappointed that Mayor O'Connell seems to be leaning toward yet another pro-sports deal instead of addressing the city's affordable housing crisis and dealing with the pollution of Brown's Creek."