Mayor Frank Jackson just put out this press release challenging Medical Mart developer MMPI, asking if it is trying to get out of its deal to build in Cleveland.
MMPI's decision to release their study of Public Auditorium's flaws to the Plain Dealer has Jackson furious.
The Medical Mart project is now at a moment of crisis. What will MMPI, the county, and City Hall do next?
Bolds are mine:
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A Statement from the Office of the Mayor
Mayor Jackson Questions MMPI’s Motives: Do They Really Want To Be Here?
CLEVELAND – Since Mayor Jackson has been crystal clear on his willingness to keep Public Auditorium and explore MMPI’s new plan, MMPI’s latest actions cause him and others to question their motives. The city and taxpayers need to know if MMPI still plans to develop in Cleveland. The Mayor has been very supportive of and committed to this project. For an example, once the County selected the site, Mayor Jackson and City Council turned this deal into a letter of intent within 10 weeks. MMPI has had unlimited access to investigate the site since the spring. After many months of silence by MMPI and continuing inquiry by the City of Cleveland, on November 4, MMPI told Mayor Jackson and Council President Martin Sweeney that Public Auditorium had many problems, that it no longer fit their business plan, and that they now want to put the Medical Mart at the end of Mall C (rather than on the previous St. Clair site). Mayor Jackson responded that the City is perfectly willing to keep Public Auditorium and is ready to discuss the new plan. Two days later Mayor Jackson’s staff asked MMPI to send the highlights of the Public Auditorium building study. Instead of sending the study highlights so that the City can take appropriate action if necessary, MMPI elected to publicly trash Public Auditorium in the media even after the building was no longer a part of the plan. MMPI’s actions beg the question: Do they still want to develop in Cleveland?
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The plot thickens, eh? MMPI knew its change of plans would ruffle some feathers, but rather than assuage the damage they maximized it, presumably to build their case for scotching the deal.
My first reaction is, Thank you once again, Tim Hagan for your stellar leadership. You've managed to transfer $333,333 (or is it $666,666?) of Cuyahoga County's taxpayers' funds to your family friend Chris Kennedy. In return we got ... nothing. Not quite as impressive as Hagan's Folly (aka the Ameritrust Tower), but impressive nonetheless.
Dimorra takes thousands in bribes, yet Hagan squanders millions. And Peter Lawson-Jones fiddles while Cuyahoga County burns. They are each the worst in their own way.
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