After serving the Mason, Tennessee community for 20 years, the Bernard Community Center has been abruptly closed by Fayette County Mayor Rhea “Skip” Taylor. The closure was due to unauthorized timber harvesting on county property, which led to the center’s financial records being reviewed. Despite being a hub for community events and gatherings, the center is now only open for public events scheduled through the mayor’s office.
Community members and advocacy groups have criticized the closure, linking it to the nearby Ford Motor Co’s BlueOval City plant that is expected to bring significant growth to the region. The closure of the center has sparked concerns about the impact of the plant on the local community and residents, particularly minority and low-income households.
Mayor Taylor has defended the decision to close the center, citing the need for proper oversight and communication surrounding the property. He has assured that the land will remain county-owned and the center will eventually resume its usual operations. However, there is uncertainty around when private events will be allowed to take place at the center again.
Advocacy groups like Tennessee for All are calling for the center to be reopened and restored to its previous state of unity within the community. They view the closure as part of a larger trend of injustices faced by minority communities in West Tennessee. Despite the challenges, Mayor Taylor is working to address the situation and maintain the center as a vital community asset in Mason.
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