In a legal move on Wednesday, Metro initiated a lawsuit against the state in an attempt to halt the implementation of a new state law that simplifies the process for renovations at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.
Bristol Motor Speedway and Mayor John Cooper have put forward a substantial investment proposal for the racetrack, aiming to bring NASCAR back to Nashville. The Metro Charter’s language was changed by the state law, lowering the threshold for Metro Council approval of demolition at The Fairgrounds Nashville from 27 to 21. This change was viewed as a means to facilitate the approval of a financing plan for the renovation project. It was one of several legislative endeavors during this session focused on Metro governance.
Wally Dietz, Metro’s Legal Director, stated, “The Legislature enacted this law specifically to make technical modifications to Metro Nashville’s Charter. It does not apply, nor was it intended to apply, to any other local government.”
Metro is invoking the Home Rule Amendment in the state constitution, which restricts state legislation targeting a single local government.
Among the other state initiatives this session aimed at altering Nashville’s government are a law that halves the size of the Metro Council (currently under an injunction by the court), a takeover of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority, and an attempt to include state representatives on the Metro Sports Authority, which plays a role in financing the racetrack renovations.
