Tennessee State University announced today it’s receiving the largest land donation in the school’s history. The gift of 250 acres west of downtown Nashville is almost certain to factor into the debate over the development of one of Nashville’s last green spaces.
The 250 acre tract is in a secluded area called Bells Bend, near the proposed site for the controversial May Town Center. Fifty acres of the donated land are for a research park on sustainable agriculture, with another two hundred acres going toward organic farmland, including switchgrass for biofuels.
Maria Thompson, who oversees research at TSU, says it could make Nashville to sustainable agriculture what Silicon Valley is to technology.
“So we’re anticipating that kind of economic move forward, such that it would spur a whole new industry, or be the heart of a whole new industry, right here in Middle Tennessee.”
The land is a gift from the May family, which has been trying to develop an adjacent part of Bells Bend. Jack May says the donation is separate and has no strings attached.
“This was a gift to TSU and has no connection to what ultimately happens with the other project.”
The May family donation also includes $400,000 toward a million dollar endowed chair aimed at attracting a world-class researcher to the park. TSU will be raising funds to pick up that difference, and hopes to break ground by next year.
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