Comptroller Presses Forward, Seeks Clarification on Caucus Deal [Updated] 

PUB DEF 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:

• $1.2 million for capital improvements in city parks, with half going to northside parks;
• $300,000 for recreational programs for children; and
• $100,000 to cover low-income kids’ access to fee-based recreational programs.

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.”