Tuesday, December 15, 2009
City Loses $25K on U of M Law School Parking
Posted by Mary Cashiola on Tue, Dec 15, 2009 at 2:37 PM
City Council members had questions today after learning that the city had entered into a 50-year lease with the University of Memphis for 50 on-street parking spaces on Court Avenue.
Under the lease, which was executed seven months ago under mayor pro tem Myron Lowery, the U of M will pay the city $1 a year for the spaces. Lowery said the deal had already been negotiated when he took office.
"My concern comes from a couple of things," said council member Jim Strickland. "We apparently get $25,000 per year for those spots. Last year, we approved the budget based on the assumption that we'd get $25,000 [in parking-meter revenue]."
The lease did not come before the council because the agreement did not transfer ownership of the property.
"I'm not saying if it came before the council I would be for it or against it, but I think with the change in the budget, without our approval, it makes the validity of this contract in question," Strickland said.
The spaces are located along one side of Court Ave between Confederate Park and the new downtown law school at the old Customs House. The law school will take possession of the parking spots at the beginning of January.
The city attorney said the council probably could not do anything at this point about the agreement, but council members Strickland and Barbara Swearengen Ware have been charged with coming up with some sort of amendment that would prevent a similar situation from happening in the future.
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Great.That's what we need.More lawyers.If they can afford the school they can pay for parking like everyone else. I would like to know whom made this deal?How much did he put in is pocket? Hey. Welcome to Memphis. See you later I'm gone.
Strickland and Swearengen will look into it. I feel better now.
Every time I think about having to find a parking spot downtown for the law school, it makes me really, really glad I graduated before they moved.
Another example of the awesome power wielded by the "sole contractual authority" for the City of Memphis: whoever happens to occupy the (rather soiled and stained) Mayor's seat. What's another $25 thou more or less in the scheme of things, right Moron Lowery?
All I can say is a dollar a spot a year is more than they will collect anyway nowadays. I heard there is only one meter "maid" DT now and that "maid" isn't really interested in ticketing without any competition. Budget cuts and all.
Stickland and Swearengen can now move onto really important matters, like making sure kids don't stick bubblegum under Court Square park benches.
Honestly, folks. That 25K translates to a little over $1000 a month. Don't you think we can make that up in "other" revenue bringing all these bright young hopefuls DT with their spendable student cash?
Sorry, that's a couple grand a month. My bad.
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