By DAVID MARTIN
David Cordish, president of the company that operates the Power & Light District, is furious that the Sprint Center lacks an anchor tenant and is pleading with city officials for more police.
Cordish sent an e-mail to Mayor Mark Funkhouser yesterday demanding that the city put on a "show of force" after a shooting in a Power & Light parking garage over the weekend. "VISIBLE POLICE PRESENCE IS THE SINGLE MOST POWERFUL WAY TO REASSURE PEOPLE AS TO THE SAFETY OF AN AREA," Cordish writes in the e-mail, using capital letters for emphasis. "IN ADDITION, THE POLICE SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR TO ALL GANGS THAT THE DOWNTOWN IS AN AREA OF 'ZERO TOLERANCE.'”
Cordish goes on to complain that the city-owned garages have lacked adequate security since they opened. Cordish tells the mayor that his company pleaded to manage the garages when the Cordish Co. and the city negotiated the development agreement. (Kay Barnes was mayor at the time.)
In a separate e-mail sent yesterday to Funkhouser and City Manager Wayne Cauthen, Cordish aired a list of grievances. Cordish blamed the city for the company's inability to complete leasing the Power & Light District.
His complaints include:
Light rail. Cordish says that "every singe expert" who has looked at light-rail construction in retail areas finds that tenants go out of business.
Festival-liquor permits. The Cordish Co. opposes the city's support of areas like Westport seeking a change in the state law that would allow visitors, at special times, to purchase and carry drinks in common areas.
Parking revenue. The Cordish Co. asked the city to charge vehicles entering the Power & Light garage in off-hours $2. Cordish says the city is "illegally" withholding the money, hampering crucial marketing efforts.
Boutique hotel. The Cordish Co. wants to build a boutique hotel, but the city has not shown a willingness to provide tax-increment financing (TIF).
Apartments. The Cordisch Co. wants TIF assistance to install apartment units above the recently renovated Midland theater. Cordish says residents as well as tourists are necessary for the district's success. "Does the City seriously think our supermarket can generate sales without people living in the District?" Cordish asks.
Cordish concludes by warning that the city needs to address all five points if Power & Light District sales projections (and, by extension, city bond payments) are to be met. "It is a no-brainer package," Cordish writes. "We strenuously urge immediate action on the package FOR THE CITY’S GOOD."
In June, Cordish sent Funkhouser an e-mail complaining about the lack of events at the neighboring Sprint Center. Cordish called the arena "a disaster" on account of its lack of an NBA or NHL franchise. "The words gross negligence and pitiful come to mind," he wrote.
Cordish's harsh words about the arena were accompanied by feelings of self-pity. "The district is performing despite the never ending attacks be city officials," he wrote. Earlier that month, the City Council grilled a Cordish official about the Power & Light District dress code, which raised complaints of racism. (Long white T-shirts and baggy clothing are banned.)
"Instead of laying awake at night thinking of was to harass the District, which is working spectacularly, (and this is BEFORE any of our anchors are open) does it occur to the Mayor, Council and City Manager to focus on the project that YOU run, are responsible for, and isn’t performing, the Arena," Cordish wrote.
The mayor, who was city auditor when the arena vote passed, seemed to take Cordish's ferocity in stride. His reply:
"David
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Mark"
Light rail is too hot to handle!
Posted at: October 3, 2008 3:02 PM