Capital Spending Plan Includes Hickory Hollow Revitalization - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

by Mark Bellinger

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Mayor Karl Dean filed legislation Friday for his second capital spending plan. It includes a deal to buy portions of the Hickory Hollow Mall. Dean wants to build a new library and a place for events when the fairgrounds close.

During a news conference outside an entrance to the mall, Dean said the initial cost to taxpayers would be $18 million. Dean said he was trying to help revitalize the southeastern part of Davidson County.

"This is one of the fastest growing parts of our county and it's a community that is certainly under served," said Mayor Dean.

Part of the plan is to spend $18 million to buy the old J. C. Penney building. He wants to use the building for a new library, community center, and public health center. Outside the building he wants to build a park.
 PHOTOS: Hickory Hollow Revitalization Plans

Hickory Hollow is owned by CBL Properties.

"We would like to thank the city and the mayor for considering the Hickory Hollow Mall as part of the revitalization project," CBL Regional manager Mike Johnson said.

The mayor's plans are not limited to the J. C. Penney building. He wants to lease the old Dillard's building and eventually buy it. An expo center would be able to house events now held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds including the flea market, lawn and garden show and Christmas Village.

"I think in terms of working on the park and expo center those will be high priorities to get done because people are anxious to have that property available for use," said Mayor Dean.

The fairgrounds will close at the end of the year.

Hickory Hollow is in Councilman Sam Coleman's district.

"When Hickory Hollow does well the entire area does well," Coleman said.

Mayor Dean said the project is good for everyone. He cited the success of Vanderbilt's investment in the 100 Oaks Mall.

"I think by investing in this mall, bringing in foundation type organizations and government activity that's going to be an incredible shot in the arm to this area, and given real estate prices this is a good deal for the city," Coleman said.

The capital spending plan includes a total $209.8 million in capital improvement projects with an additional $31.2 million in projects that are self-funded. Dean originally announced many of the capital projects funded in the plan at the annual State of Metro Address on April 29, but put off filing legislation when the historic flood began two days later.

"Work on flood recovery continues, but we're now at a point where we feel comfortable moving ahead with new capital projects," Dean said. "Even more than that, I feel that this is the right time for this capital spending plan because it is focused on projects that will strengthen our neighborhoods and communities."

Dean also announced plans to fund two new police precincts, $15.5 million in new sidewalks and bikeways, $20 million in road and infrastructure improvements, and construction of the 28th Avenue Connector, among other community projects.

The capital spending plan must be approved by the Metro Council in the form of an initial bond resolution. The legislation was filed with the Metro Clerk's Office on Friday.

There's also an elementary school planned for the southeast Nashville area.

Dean's proposals must still be approved by the Metro Council.

Email: mbellinger@newschannel5.com