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Oak Hill panel unanimously disapproves of ‘bunker’
Egged on by a large crowd, the Oak Hill Planning Commission unanimously disapproved of a plan to construct an underground “bunker” in the front yard of the governor’s mansion Thursday night.
The State Building Commission will now consider again whether “Conservation Hall” is appropriate to be constructed. But it can legally proceed despite Oak Hill’s objections, said state spokeswoman Lola Potter.
The commission’s vote came after more than two hours of public comment, almost all of which was in opposition to Conservation Hall, the 14,000-square-foot underground facility designed to host large gatherings at the Executive Residence.
“You folks owe us folks to vote this down,” said Lonnie Hillis, who lives very close to the Executive Residence, to the planning commission.
And the commission did just that, bowing to residents’ — and their own — concerns regarding the size of Conservation Hall, its costs and its impact on the city of Oak Hill.
“I do believe, if it were a private individual, that we would disapprove it based on the info we have today, or lack thereof,” said commission member Art McWilliams.
As a result of the disapproval, the State Building Commission will consider whether it wants to accept or reject Oak Hill’s move. When that occurs is unclear at this point.
Construction was slated to begin next month to work toward completing the work on the Curtiswood Lane property, a project that First Lady Andrea Conte has spearheaded.
Mike Fitts, the state’s architect and head of the overall plan from a design standpoint, said Conservation Hall is needed to entertain large gatherings of people.
The ballroom, which will encompass 3,000 feet of the 14,000-square-foot facility, will hold 160 people and is meant to seat the 132-member General Assembly.
“I truly believe it will be something you’ll be proud of in the future,” Fitts said to Oak Hill residents.
Fitts was the only state representative speaking to the mostly partisan audience.
By far, the majority of the crowd gathered in the pews of Brentwood Hills Church of Christ opposed the construction of Conservation Hall.
When one resident asked for attendees to scream “aye” if they were opposed, nearly everyone did.
“I for one am not very excited about my legislature getting together in an underground room, behind a fence, with security,” said Susan Kaestner, an Oak Hill resident and prominent member in a group opposing the project.
It appeared just a handful of people in attendance said they were in favor.
Dale Randels was one of them.
“I think it’s actually going to enhance our property values once it’s finished,” Randels said.
The underground structure will cost at least $4.8 million in private money and about $3.86 million in taxpayer dollars for support facilities in connection to what critics call the “bunker.”
Those dollars contribute to the first and initial purpose of the work at the Executive Residence — renovating the mansion itself. Overall, the cost is at least $19.2 million, with $12.8 coming from the state and $6.4 from private contributors.
For that amount of money, car dealer owner, heavy Republican contributor and Oak Hill resident Lee Beaman said the state could rent a space like the Schermerhorn Symphony Center dozens of times.
“As the chairman (of the Nashville Symphony), I would encourage that solution,” Beaman quipped about renting out Schermerhorn.
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The ballroom can only be said to be funded with private dollars because the Bredesens shifted $4 million in private dollars donated for the renovation of the existing mansion - and replaced that renovation money with TAX DOLLARS.No matter how loudly Bredesen, Andrea Conte and State Architect Mike Fitts claim it is privately funded, the ballroom project is not really privately funded. The Bredesen administration diverted $4 million in private funds donated for the renovation of the existing Governor's Mansion in order to pay for the ballroom, and then pumped millions of tax dollars into the renovation project to replace the diverted private dollars. The renovation was supposed to be funded largely with private donations.The shell game is meticulously documented here: http://www.tngop.org/wordpress/?p=78When Bredesen and Conte first announced the renovation plan, it was to cost around $9.5 million, with $1.5 million coming from taxpaers. The remainder, about $8 million, was to be funded through donations raised from private individuals.Today, largely because of the ballroom project, the renovation of the existing mansion is being funded mostly with tax dollars, and the taxpayers' overall contribution to the mansion renovation and expansion project is at $12.8 million, of a total cost expected to top $19.2 million.Taxpayers who thought they were contributing $1.5 million to a $9.5 million project now find themselves paying over half - nearly $13 million - of a project whose cost has ballooned to nearly $20 million.It is ironic that the ballroom is called "Conservation Hall" given that its construction is fueling a rather liberal expenditure of tax dollars. Not only will it divert private funds from the renovation, which will be replaced with tax dollars, the ballroom also will necessitate the state spending $3.86 million to build a connecting hallway, elevators and other "improvements" that wouldn't be needed if the ballroom itself wasn't built.And none of the numbers yet discussed include the staffing, operating and maintenance costs for the ballroom complex going forward - costs that have neither been calculated nor budgeted for by the legislature even though those costs will, most certainly, have to be funded by taxpayers.Bill HobbsCommunication DirectorTennessee Republican PartNashville, TNwww.tngop.org
Arrogant Governor we have. Fitts said it is "NEEDED" to entertain large gatherings? This Bunker Mentallity of Bredesen's doesn't only concern the residents of Oak Hill is concerns all tax payers.Everyone should be outraged. Glad I didn't vote for that fool. What a thief he is.
Thanks Mr. Hobbs for staying on top of this. These people are insane.
Thanks for your excellant post Bill covering the intial cost but we cannot overlook the operational cost of a facility like this too.Beside the actual people maintaining and runing it on the inside it will require outside and remote parking (additional cost) and transportation support staff and equipment. (can't expect such VIPs to ride city buses can we?)Seems rather strange that the architect was the only one argueing the need for it. Isn't that beyond his job descrition? Where was Mr. and Mrs Brede$en makeing their case for blasting a tremendous bunker in a residential neighborhood, which brings up another potential cost, damage to homes in the area.
Yeah, you really know it was not private money? No, you don't know that,just spewing what you want.
Bill Hobbs, REPUBLICAN party, that says it all. Sour grapes from a die hard.
I hope they build the bunker, lock id in there and then seal it up. Kinda like an "idiot time capsule".
LOL!
I do find it interesting that Mr Hobbs is from the opposing party. Just wonder if Dunn, Alexander or Sundquist were doing this when they were in office if he'd still have the same point of view.As far as the renovations to the Governor's mansion, they could have just gone the route of no private funds and all from state budget. I would like to see a list of who contributed to the renovation fund. Anyone have a link to that?Not picking a side in this little scrimmage. This is not a partisan issue.
Since Master Phil Bredesen and Ms Andrea do not actually live in the Governors mansion, and it is too far from the Capitol, I see no reason to not sell the existing property, acquiring property in the immediate vicinity of the Capitol building and build the governors mansion on that property. Moreover, Lee Beaman’s idea to have the governor rent the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is excellent. Not only does it provide the public with a glimpse of our Royalty enjoying their selves entertaining campaign contributors, business prospects, etc. it allows us to see whom these people are instead of sequestering them below ground in a bunker.
Bill, is the "Republican Part" the same kind of wordplay as the "Democrat Party?"
"10502
to make a correction to the article...beaman who is the chairman of the board at the schermerhorn said that for the money that will be spent on the bunker, the state could use the schermerhorn hall once a week FOREVER...not "dozens of times" as reported! UNLIKE BUILDING THE BUNKER, THAT IDEA ACTUALLY MAKES SENSE...i'm sure anyone that would give a 20 million dollar (the bunker will cost more than that) donation to the symphony...they would be given a spare key to the place...or...the state could put 20 million in the bank and use the interest to rent the place...FOREVER!i assume it would be even more affordable to rent the state owned and recently state renovated war memorial building...with 20 million, the governor could probably host 2 parties per week FOREVER at war memorial.
Building this underground facility will require blasting. Ask anyone who has lived near a blasted area and they will describe cracked ceilings and walls and in worst cases, ruined foundations. Not to mention the crew of hundred of construction workers and constant noise this totally unnecessary monstrosity will bring.Phil, ride your limo down to Schemerhorn when you want to hear some music or entertain your buds. This addition will do nothing to improve the lives of any Tennessean but you.
Plants, I agree w/ you that the location of the Governor’s mansion is a bit peculiar, but I suspect that there are historical reasons. Building a whole new mansion is a way bad idea. Think about the opportunities for grandiosity, corruption, & grandiose corruption it would welcome.No, we have a mansion. Let’s keep it that way, and let’s use PUBLIC FUNDS to renovate it. Bill Hobbs rants about how much tax money is going into this building—and this controversial bunker—as if paying for the renovations & bunker w/ private money is better, as if private money is somehow pure. It isn’t, and that a spokesman for the Republican Party thinks that it is says much too much about how the G.O.P. is owned lock, stock, & barrel by big business & special interests. While supplying reasons to be against the bunker, Hobbs also supplies reasons to be against the Republican party.Several on this site (including me) made suggestions similar to Lee Beaman’s at the meeting. I love the idea of hosting large functions at the Schermerhorn. I presume that Andrea Conte made a strong case for the renovations. Well, if so, then they should be done w/ public funds. It’s our mansion. Don’t make our government more beholden to the rich. If Conte can make a case for the bunker—and so far, the good case hasn’t happened—, then we should pay for it. Currently, though, the case is on the other side. Fix up the mansion. End of story.
Actually, probably cheaper to buy Municipal Auditorium from Nashville, tear it down, & build the bunker there. With the new metro bus terminal next door, there shouldn't be any parking problems because they can all ride MTA to whatever is going on. Saves fuel, reduces pollution and traffic, and cuts down on parking hassles.
Fundit, if the bunker's built at the mansion site, Phil will most likely be out of office by the time it's finished. Marsha will get to use it when she's elected governor.
Some of you are so partisan it is actually humorous to read. You conclude that because Mr. Hobbs is a Republican, the information he provided is not worth considering. This is government working for those of you who don't quite grip that concept. It is our responsibility to question our government, and like-minded politicians who don't want to burn bridges will not uphold that responsibility for us...hence a Republican wrote it.Of course, if all other arguments fail, you could just switch back and play the Bush card and describe how many tax dollars he has wasted. That is always a progressive argument.
All you libs who can’t get past the politics on this should just look at the facts. Yes, if Sundquist tried to do something stupid like this we would be all over him, not supporting him. Remember the income tax? It was a stupid idea that we did not want or need and we conservatives were very vocal about it.This bunker is a stupid idea too and only serves the elite rich who kiss up to politicians on both sides. Most Tennesseans will never see the inside of this facility. It is a statement to the arrogance that our governors have when they enter their second terms and basically can’t be touched.By the way, both Ned Ray and Sundquist built four-lane highways to serve their personal interests at huge costs to the taxpayer.
God, Rocket, I hope that Tennesseans aren't stupid enough to elect Marsha Blackburn governor. Sundquist was bad; Bredesen is almost as bad. Blackburn would be dreadful. I can state, w/ pride, that I never voted for Bredesen for governor. I hope that I can actually SUPPORT someone in 2010--or sooner, if Bredesen becomes the next vice president.
Mr. Hobbs is the one that made this a partisan issue at least as far as the opinion section goes. He could have posted his comments and not listed his current occupation. With him doing this he's representing his boss, not citizens of the state in general. The statements are coming from the state Republican party.It would have been just as bad if the Communications Director of the state Democrat party had made the post.Again, this is NOT a partisan issue.
MJB, I hope the majority of the voting citizens of our great state aren't that stupid. Unfortunately, past voting records don't support that.chester, I find it interesting how you immediately jump on the conservitave vs liberal bandwagon. Typical behavior from some on here.
It does not matter how much we oppose or support this bunker, it will be built and our money will go to do it. If it only costs us $9 million, we should probably be happy.
Cowboy, you are right and that is very sad.
I quote MJB..."It's OUR mansion." In theory, maybe.In reality... not a chance.
I am far from being a fan of the Republican party, but Bill Hobbs's remarks should be judged on their merits, not on their source. If he writes sooth, if he expresses reason, then we should attend. Otherwise, no. Thus, I took his remarks at their word, and I shudder at his love of private donations.Back to work & to Xmas shopping. Talk (Write) to all tomorrow.(By the way, why has THE CITY PAPER screwed around w/ yesterday's edition in the archives? Anyone know?)
At least mjb stopped short of labeling it "The People's Palace". That is what Mao would have done.
As a taxpayer, I would like to see a "Grassy Knoll" built.
stupid is as stupid does... don`t call me stupid...stupid. If mjb is for it , i`m against it, if mjb is against it i`m for it..
Junior, I'm honored that you would give me the responsibility. I'm not only thinking for myself, but I'm thinking for you, too.Unless I read some better justification for it, then I'm against Phil Bredesen's bunker, so you must be for it.By the way, I'm for voting, so I'm glad that you'll be staying home on election days.
evidently the governor has completely ignored everything al gore has said.
I hope the honorable Governer Bredesen and his benevolent First Lady Conte pull back on the ballroom project at the mansion. The immediate neighbors concerns about increased traffic and blasting are legitimate. It's a residential area that posesses an enchanting beauty and presents a tranquil sanctuary to the residents. The roads are narrow. If the mansion had it's own access to Franklin Road it would be a different matter.The purpose for having the ballroom is also legitimate to facilitate investment in the economic development in the blessed State of Tennessee. This function of state executives, officials, and legislators needs to happen irregardless of budget surplus/ deficit, or if there is a magnificent new ballroom to host visitingofficials in a distinguished manner.We all know this. We also know the state is anticpating less revenue and will have to cut spending on non-essentials (underground bunkers with an awesome (fish?) pond light ceiling)in the near future.Personally, I think it could be a legitimate project for the future at a different location that offered public viewing/ educational opportunities of the bottom of a glass fish pond. Near the capitol, TSU, or bicentennial mall.
By: slzy on 12/22/07"evidently the governor has completely ignored everything al gore has said."Excellent post!
Peace, why can't a governor host functions at the Schermerhorn or the War Memorial?By the way, please PLEASE proof your remarks. It's difficult to read them for their thoughtful content when they're riddled with mistakes.
Serr's image made it into print in today's Tennessean's local news section. Congratulations!
What image is that, Fundit?