During the past weeks, we have spent much time thinking about the financial viability of the proposed convention center, probably too much along the way. There has been much debate on whether the projections are accurate, and whether the market can sustain the burden we are bearing. Throughout the conversation proponents of the MCC project... Continue Reading →
There is a group of folks who have been working on a statement for Faith Leaders on the MCC Project to be shared with councilpersons: Members of the Metropolitan Council Historic Courthouse Public Square Nashville, TN 37201 Dear Council Member: As leaders of faith communities throughout Nashville, we have watched with interest the debate over... Continue Reading →
Recently I have heard proponents of the MCC say that the reason we have the Hotel/Motel tax that paid for the previous convention center is that the hotel/motel industry “voluntarily” agreed to the tax as a funding source. In considering the 14 million from those funds that has been used for other tourism related activities,... Continue Reading →
At a recent public meeting on the proposed Music City Center I heard Nashville’s economic development office Alexia Poe suggest that a justification for the construction and operation of the project was the expansion of the tax base. She suggested that the hope of raising taxes in Nashville is minimal and that our only hope... Continue Reading →
Here are a few questions that I haven’t yet heard answered by the proponents of the Music City Center. They are certainly welcome to send my their answers and I will be happy to post those responses. What studies have been done on the additional city infrastructure needs required to support the project, and how... Continue Reading →
Just a little over a week ago, I found myself walking into the Lakeshore Church in Antioch (lovingly known at the MediaPlay church locally, given the previous resident of the building) for a community meeting about the Music City Center, sponsored by Councilmen Dominy, Duval, and Coleman. This was advertised as a chance to hear... Continue Reading →
Earlier today I sat in a meeting in which the head of a local chamber of commerce and our city’s economic development head lectured me on supporting the Music City Center (MCC) project. Of course I wasn’t surprised that they were supporting the project, nor their interpretation of the data upon which their belief was... Continue Reading →
Randy Rayburn, restaurant impresario, has been trotted out as the attack dog in the continuing conversation and battle over the Music City Center project. Earlier today he took after Nashville's Priorities, the group that has been leading the opposition to the project (or at least not trusting the assumptions offered by the Mayor's office). He... Continue Reading →
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