By Antonio D. French
Filed Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 12:17 PM
PUB DEF EXCLUSIVE Labels: BJC/Park_Deal, Black_Caucus, Exclusive
Still suffering the calls of "obstructionist" from critics of her decision not to support BJC's proposed expansion plan two weeks ago, Comptroller Darlene Green is continuing with meetings to create a better deal which all sides can agree to.
This afternoon Green will be hosting the third meeting between her office and representatives of BJC HealthCare and Citizens to Protect Forest Park. This follows an earlier meeting Green had with members of the Aldermanic Black Caucus meant to clear up confusion about a deal brokered by the Caucus to ensure north St. Louis would benefit from the proposed lease extension as well. That deal has been threatened by Green and Aldermanic President Jim Shrewsbury's refusal so far to support BJC's expansion.
In meetings with Black Caucus members before the vote of the Board of Aldermen, BJC and Mayor Francis Slay privately agreed to dole up the annual $1.6 million in general revenue freed up by the new terms of BJC's lease of a portion of city park land in the following manner:
BJC also agreed to work with the Black Caucus to open a 24-hour emergency/trauma center located in north St. Louis.
The aide said Green supports all of those things, but she would like to see them specifically written into the lease agreement; not just as a non-binding attached letter.
An amendment passed by the Board of Aldermen did include the $400,000 for recreation programs and $1.2 million for park improvements, but it did not specifically say that 50% of the improvement funds were to be spent in northside parks -- a point vital to the agreement.
Green's office has proposed the following language be added to that amendment: "...with at least 50% of the One Million Two Hundred Dollars ($1,200,000) to be spent on parks that are located north of Delmar Boulevard in the City".
Green's continued action on this matter suggests that the deal is not dead yet and, with certain amendments and concessions, may soon come again before the Boards of Aldermen and Estimate & Apportionment.
Click here to view the amendment with Green's new addition.
Click here to read a memo obtained by Pub Def from the mayor's chief staff outlining the agreement between the Black Caucus and BJC.
Click here to view a letter from BJC to the Black Caucus agreeing to develop a 24-hour emergency/trauma center in north St. Louis.
UPDATE @ 6:45 p.m.: According to sources in the Comptroller's office, today's meeting was positive and "there is now light at the end of the tunnel."
"We are closer today than we were a week ago and the Comptroller expects a positive outcome by Friday."
21 Comments:
Hey Antonio -
I admit, I'm stupid, and cynical, and need a clarification: Does the memo from Rainford mean that of the 50% of the overall $1.2 million that is set aside for North City parks, $300,000 would go to recreational programs for kids, and $100,000 would supplement low income kids access to fee-based programs? If so, that would leave only $200,000 for improvements for ALL the North Side parks right? Or, are the amounts going to the kids programs IN ADDITION to the $600,000?
I'm not trying to be a smart ass...I just don't understand. And I'm not quibbling either, because certainly these are worthwhile causes. $200,000 annually will help...heck, any additional funding is a plus. But this amount spread out over all the parks won't go far. I know that new money going into these parks and kids programs is great, and I'm glad and appreciative it will happen. I just wonder if the Mayor's Office will spin this to the public in a way to make it seem like a lot more than it really is. That's why I need someone to explain it to me better. Thanks.
2/20/2007 12:57 PM
What does this new wrinkle do for Shrewsbury?
2/20/2007 1:25 PM
Anony # 1, $1.2 million is set aside for parks improvements (50% going to northside parks). Then $300K and $100K are for kids all over the city. Total: $1.6 million.
2/20/2007 1:29 PM
What do they classify as improvements though? I would hope we are talking physical structures and not adding additional labor as the parks will still suffer.
2/20/2007 1:46 PM
This comment has been removed by the author.
2/20/2007 2:14 PM
Is this per year? If not, paid out at once, or over a given time period?
2/20/2007 2:14 PM
As President Shrewsbury said today on KWMU, he knows about the talks that Comptroller Green is having and is willing to look at any deal that will help the City. It must be much better that what they have offered so far.
So, before the Reed bloggers get going, be sure you know his position on the issue!
2/20/2007 3:00 PM
Shrewsbury KNOWS about the talks???
Why isn't he LEADING the talks?!?!?
Why doesn't Shrewsbury take a leading and pro-active role as President on any issue???
This is what we get out of the President's office for $250,000+ a year?!?!?
2/20/2007 3:33 PM
Doug, it's per year.
2/20/2007 4:09 PM
Shrewsbury "leads" from behind, then takes credit when the work is done.
It's a win-win...for him.
2/20/2007 4:31 PM
I heard on the radio that Shrewsbury said that he loved his job because he has all the power and no responsibility.
2/20/2007 5:01 PM
Is 1.6 million per year enough? Seems like a bit low to have any impact. Given the years of neglect, I would try for more.
2/20/2007 5:09 PM
Isn't forest park forever matching the $1.2 million?
2/20/2007 5:27 PM
The comptroller knows that the best way to get out of the room when you've painted yourself into a corner is to wait a bit for the paint to dry.
2/20/2007 5:53 PM
Cant Trust Shrewsbury,
I listened to the same radio program, I never heard that comment...can you find it for me?the approximate min. will do fine.
The show is avalible for stream and Download at www.kwmu.org---I just can't seem to find what you are refering to.
2/20/2007 7:54 PM
Of course you can't find the comment, there is none.
The talks are for the Chief Financial Officer of the City to conduct in this case. Please all the Reed bloggers learn the way that the City works and stop trying to attribute incorrecrt statements to President Shrewsbury. BNB
2/20/2007 8:03 PM
I don't know if it was on KWMU too, but I heard the same thing about Shrewsbury loving all the power but not wanting any responsibility on a different station last week. If he did say it, that's just stupid of him and I'll never vote for him again. He does seem like one of those slick politician types that would say something like that.
2/20/2007 10:11 PM
As one of the thousands of people who signed the park land petition, I want to congratulate president Shrewsbury and the comptroller for having the courage to stand up to another corporate giant stealing from the citizens of St. Louis.
This deal had been in secret talks for over a year before anyone from the community was told about it and still BJC has refused to reveal what it wants the land for. They could be planning for a 10 story parking garage on it for all we know.
With more details and good faith discussion perhaps a compromise can and will be reached, but until such time, I’m thankful we have at least two elected leaders who don’t give away everything in this city to anyone who asks.
2/21/2007 6:23 AM
"They could be planning for a 10 story parking garage on it"
Great idea.
Add some shuttle service through the CWE and FPSE, combine it with Metro, and my commute is solved.
2/21/2007 7:32 AM
anonymous at 6:23-
what you mean is that shrewsbury and green have been playing political football in their secret discussions with bjc for the last year. at least green is trying to work with bjc and the community to reach a compromise. why is there such a lack of leadership coming from shrewsbury? where has he been for the last year? where are his ideas? why does he just wait for other people to come up with all the ideas just so he can shoot them down?
2/21/2007 10:13 AM
Anonymous said "another corporate giant stealing from the citizens of St. Louis".
I really don't think that $158 million for 9 acres of land is a "steal" and neither do most city residents. Most would love to be offered that kind of money for our houses!
I hope Shrewsbury and Green will stop playing politics and do the right thing for the residents of the city. It looks like Darlene Green is at least trying.
2/21/2007 10:32 AM
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