| Beesley Road man starts anti-Bible park Web site |
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By: By LISA MARCHESONI Senior Writer - April 29, 2007
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Blackman residents desiring to voice opinions on the proposed Bible theme park may post on a message board online at http://nobtp.dassaro.net.
Founder Joseph Dassaro of the Berkshire subdivision off Beesley Road created the Web site to inform his neighbors and provide a space for comments. Because of popularity, Dassaro added a message board that will handle large volumes of traffic.
"I am personally opposed to the Bible theme park," said Dassaro who lives with his wife and two young daughters about two miles from the proposed site in the Blackman community. "I think it's going to reduce the quality of life. It will have a serious traffic impact, not that we don't already have a serious traffic problem in that area."
He believes the park would be better suited to sites between Blackman and Franklin off state Route 840 or off Interstate 24 near Joe B. Jackson Highway in southeast Murfreesboro.
Park sponsors presented the Bible park concept to Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce board members, state legislators and elected officials April 13 in Smyrna. Sponsors are determining if they want to locate in Rutherford County.
Dassaro, who is a consultant for the federal government, said he hoped to empower people with reliable information and advise them through the process on the Web site.
"We believe now is the time to get the word out," Dassaro said.
He plans to use the homeowner association to get residents involved. Also, he hopes county commissioners will listen to their constituents or face repercussions.
"They serve at the pleasure of their constituents," Dassaro said, adding he will campaign against commissioners who support the park.
Blackman native John L. Batey, who farms in the community, said he hasn't seen the Web site.
Batey takes a more moderate approach.
"I think a lot more studying needs to be done," Batey said. "I do not think it's the golden goose that laid the egg."
He believes a Bible park located about one-half mile from his farm will require more costs for sheriff's deputies and the county landfill.
"It's still in the center of a residential neighborhood," Batey observed. "The roads are a major issue."
Batey questions how a Bible theme park could survive in Middle Tennessee when Opryland in Nashville didn't. He wonders if the park would have to expand each year to survive.
He believes the park would affect the image of Rutherford County.
Many of his neighbors are opposed to the park locating in the community.
"As they say, when the sun goes down, it's pretty quiet down here," Batey said.
Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com.
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