[StBernard] St. Bernard increases funding for hospital

[Westley Annis]

In recent discussions between the Meraux Foundation and parish government,
the Foundation expressed its desire to donate a footprint of land for the
hospital.  Hospital Service District Chairman Danny Dysart forwarded a
formal request for 20 acres of land within the Meraux Foundation's "Airport
Tract" in Chalmette across from the Walmart building.  While no official
response was received sources suggest that a response is forthcoming.


Connected to the Foundation's donation of land for a hospital is the ongoing
discussion of council approval of four upscale apartment complexes proposed
by the Foundation.  There is a moratorium on large multi-family units,
creating an obstacle for the Foundation's proposed developments.  There is
some concern that if the moratorium ends the apartment complex development,
the hospital land donation could be jeopardized.
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Where have we heard the term "quid pro quo" recently?  Ah yes!  Concerning
the Illinois Governor and his attempts to sell the vacant Senate seat of
Obama.

The Meraux Foundation is attempting the same thing here and it should not be
given in to.

**If*** the Foundation will not donate the land to the Parish for a Parish
hospital,
without approving their section 8 apartments, then the Council should have
the legal staff
look into expropriating the land for the common good of the Parish.  Lately,
it does not seem the Foundation has been acting in the best interests of St.
Bernard when doing thing
like holding the hospital hostage, not willing to negotiate on rent for
Wal-mart, etc.

I'm sure Arlene Meraux's ashes are flipping in her urn.

JY