Proposed legislation would allow demolition for Nashville SC stadium at fairgrounds to begin immediately

In an effort to move along the building of Nashville's Major League Soccer stadium on the fairgrounds, a Metro council member on Friday proposed legislation to begin demolition without the mayor's signature.

Legislation filed Friday by Council member Colby Sledge, if approved, would allow demolition to begin at the fairgrounds to make way for the new $335 million stadium.

Since October, Mayor John Cooper has withheld his signature from demolition paperwork, questioning costs surrounding the deal.

Sledge, a soccer supporter whose district includes the fairgrounds, wants Metro Council to validate the demolition contract even if Cooper continues to postpone the deal.

Final award contracts given go-ahead

"All contracts procured through an invitation to bid process shall become effective and operative not later than 30 days after the final award is made, regardless of the signature of the mayor, a department head, or the chair of a board or commission," the proposed ordinance states.

If approved, the ordinance would apply to contracts previously awarded through the a bid process after all appeals are complete, and any future such contracts, not just the fairgrounds demolition.

Council members will first consider the proposal on Feb. 18.

Reach reporter Mariah Timms at mtimms@tennessean.com or 615-259-8344 and on Twitter @MariahTimms.