Metro Resolution to Help Fund $400 Million Gaylord/Opryland Hotel Expansion Passed on First Reading, But With Questions

Last Tuesday night Council at-Large Member, Carolyn Baldwin Tucker, leveraged debate on two bills that would issue $80 million in bonds to help Gaylord Corporation expand the Opryland Hotel and Convention Center. She expressed reservations about passing a large magnitude bill before the new Council started its term in August. A couple of other members expressed concerns that the bill had provisions for minority-owned business, yet no minorities were included in the formulation of the bill. The Council advisor told the body that Gaylord was responsible for the wording of the bill. Council voted to pass on first reading.