The opposition to the project has risen as a result of some political pressures and from public perceptions about the project's necessity and its impact on the neighborhood. As a result of this controversy, the Underground Conservation Hall was quickly termed "Bredesen's Bunker" by the Media. Close exposures for blasting, required by the Conservation Hall construction project, have been regulated by specifications that regulate seismic monitoring, pre-blast and post-blast inspections. Planned blasting for the project included blasting to a depth of 30 feet (9.14 meters) within 35 feet (10.67 meters) of the front of the newly renovated Tennessee Executive Residence. Excavation for the project found more competent rock at higher elevations than identified in test drilling which required blasting within 2 feet (0.61 meters) of the side of the Residence.The Tennessee Executive Residence was built as a private residence in 1931 by a local family. In 1949 it was purchased by the State and put in service as the Governor's Residence. The limited interior gathering space of the original residential structure has required most functions to be held outdoors under a tent. The Underground Conservation Hall was designed to host 160 people for a sit down dinner. The Tennessee Residence is located in an affluent section of Historic Nashville which has served as home to many well known neighbors such as Country Music Celebrity Minnie Pearl and new comer business executive Mr. Tom Oreck, Chairman of Oreck Corporation.Public relations considerations have governed all information dissemination and blasting damage control services conducted on this project. In an effort to combat the politically fueled misinformation campaign about the project, public meetings with the immediate neighbors have been utilized to convey important project information. Job specifications were designed to minimize blasting perceptions of immediate neighbors, as well as prevent damages to their properties. Special protocol was developed for the pre-blast and post-blast notification, appointment making and inspection process. Video documentations of the blasts were used to create indisputable records of the blast events. Sensitivity to the political considerations and neighborhood concerns during the planning, blasting, and excavating phases of the controversial Underground Conservatory Project, helped walk the Public Relations "tight rope" to a successful conclusion by averting attempts to stop the project and heading off the potential for significant blasting damage claims that might generate costly lawsuits, as well as additional negative press for the present administration.
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