Cleveland: Mayor Jackson challenges MMPI on Medical Mart changes

CLEVELAND -- Mayor Frank Jackson is openly expressing his displeasure with MMPI, the Chicago firm that wants to build the proposed Medical Mart and Convention Center.

Mayor Jackson's upset MMPI is walking away from its original intention to makeover Public Auditorium as part of the project.

He wrote MMPI boss, Chris Kennedy, a three-page letter, demanding answers to numerous questions and insisting on better treatment and more transparency.

MMPI claims it was surprised to learn electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems were old and in need of replacement or repair.

It conducted a public slide presentation, suggesting it's dangerous and in violation of the city's own building codes.

"They're not naive or amateur. So, they knew full well what they were getting. We don't agree with their assessment," Jackson said.

The mayor intends to have independent engineers and experts do another study of conditions in the building.

Critics say the new Mall location may be best for MMPI but not best for the public or the City of Cleveland.

It occupies cherished public space and could block a view of the lakefront. It's also a good distance from downtown hotels and restaurants.

Asked if MMPI and Cuyahoga County could expect to get the Mall space without paying more than the $20 million figure in the now undone deal, Mayor Jackson said, "They should not expect anything but to do right by Cleveland."

MMPI had no comment on the mayor's letter,

Mayor Jackson discusses the Medical Mart situation and his efforts to close a massive budget hole with Tom Beres Sunday morning on Between the Lines.