...too bad it isn't a good one.
I refrained from blogging regarding City Council's decision last week to at least temporarily stall the sale of a city owned vacant lot to a private hospital because I figured there had to be more to the story than was being told.
Just because the public isn't the first to know doesn't mean what government does on their behalf isn't noble or just. Negotiations, the art of the deal, requires timing and discretion. I thought perhaps the City wanted more time to check the buyer out, make sure they were a responsible entity that paid their bills on time and disposed of bio-hazard waste properly.
I raised an eyebrow when I learned OSF had concerns and asked the Council to stall. Frankly, if OSF has concerns, why don't they make an offer on the property or call up the would be buyer themselves?
No doubt, having three major hospitals is a big feather in Peoria's cap and they certainly do something to butter our bread. It is good to know and pay heed to those who butter your bread. So, I respectfully kept my mouth shut and waited for the full story.
I know, a mistake. Pessimism and government go hand in hand for a reason.
According to today's Word on the Street column in the P.J. Star, the sale is actually being held up by Methodist, who wants to do a big, better, version of the same type of facility as the would be buyer. Said facility would be located in the Med-Tech/Renaissance District. Methodist apparently would appreciate it if City Council would not do anything to jeopardize the project or provide any pesky competition.
Why OSF was the first to whine is a mystery, except that they have plans for their facility up by Route 91. Keep in mind that anyone even mildly interested in the City owned property in troubled Southtown had several decades to make an offer. Someone else made a bid on property you've been twiddling your thumbs over for decades? Tough cookies. Thats free enterprise for you. Welcome to America.
Peoria very well might be better off if Methodist and/or OSF build their planned facilities and the would be buyer of the vacant lot be shut out. However, that is the role of the market place, not local government (no matter how noble their intent) to decide. We were led to believe that there were questions as to how all the involved parties and institutions would work together to provide services. Even if true -Har!- why is it City Council's duty to make sure these parties get along and play nice? What next? Is Council going broker deals between McDonald's and Burger King? Decide how many feet should be between the Coke machine and the Pepsi machine? Last I checked, Peoria was part of the United States of America which promotes itself as a capitalist country, not China where only those businesses with a wink and nudge from government are allowed to succeed.
The arrogance of these hospitals is really starting to get on my nerves. Gives all the more credit to the conspiracy theory regarding the relationship they have with AMT (which the hospitals collectively own) and the belief by many that AMT has diligent emergency service take a backseat to cost cutting/overcharging. Meanwhile, much of the Peoria Fire Department is both educated and eager to provide emergency medical services and transport, but are forbidden to do so.
Unless there is an ordinance already on the books banning such a business/facility (i.e., adult entertainment businesses that serve liquor outside the boundaries of downtown) the sale should be approved.
As a citizen and taxpayer, I have been waiting for the financial benefit and relief that would come from the sale of this vacant lot for a very long time. How dare the City decide whose money is greener and better - OSF's, Methodist's, or a private buyer?
Hey! City Council! Remember your place - Hint: It isn't to serve as OSF's bully or Methodist's whipping boy. Or, at least be honest and make a motion to rename our fair city the Peoples Republic of Peoria.
