Click here to download a Monroe Park Ordinance and Lease.
This will most likely not get voted on by City Council anytime soon. But it could provide an interesting discussion point at the ‘Community Conversation on Monroe Park’ next Tuesday at the Nile Restaurant.
As one neighbor remarked,
This lease is a pretty outrageous document! I am just flabbergasted that the City Council would consider such an arrangement:
The Mayor is given the authority to appoint one-third of the board, and the administration is given the authority to approve any changes to the planned improvements.
The Tenant (Monroe Park Conservancy) pays only $1 annual rent, and pays no real estate taxes.
The Tenant shall establish polices of the use of the park, subject to approval of Richmond’s Chief Administrative Officer.The Landlord (the City) pays for any damages to the park.
The Landlord, with VCU, pays for all police and security.
The Landlord at no charge supplies all gas, water, electricity, sewer, and storm water expenses.
The Landlord is responsible for repairing and replacing all structural elements.
page 33, exhibit a, section 3, provisions a and d give VCU authority to prune or remove trees at their discretion. This document is an affront to the citizens of Richmond.