Memphis City Council Pushes Through Sheraton Hotel Purchase
In a whirlwind of activity that has caught the attention of Memphians everywhere, the cityโs council has recently voted to purchase the Sheraton Hotel for a proposed $30 million. While some folks are excited about revitalizing this downtown landmark, the speed at which this deal zoomed through the council has left many scratching their heads.
The Quick Turnaround
It seems that just a quick tour of the hotel was enough for council members to make their minds up. Yes, they took a firsthand look at the once-glamorous establishment now struggling to serve as Memphisโs โconvention center hotel.โ Itโs interesting to note that these onsite inspections arenโt covered by the Tennessee Open Meetings Act. This loophole allowed for more private discussions than what typically happens during the formal council sessions.
Upon returning to the council chambers, it took all of two minutes for the votes to be castโunanimously, I might add, going 9-0. However, itโs worth mentioning that not all members were there; two were absent and two chose not to vote. Even in record time, the resolution was extensive, detailing everything from issuing the bonds needed to finance the purchase to various legal preparations that seemed as tangled as a ball of yarn.
Whatโs the Rush?
But this lightning-fast decision prompts us to ask: Why the rush? Well, council members didnโt offer much clarity on that question. In fact, it felt a bit suspicious, with whispers of potential deals being made behind closed doors concerning council perks in exchange for this fast-forward decision. The lack of public explanation helped stir a pot filled with questions and concerns regarding the apparent disregard for community input before making such a significant commitment.
After all, the Sheraton Hotelโs plight is not just a matter of real estate; itโs tied to the broader narrative of how the city is hoping to position itself in the tourism landscape while addressing community needs. Getting this resolution passed without a moment for public discussion feels like a missed opportunity to engage with the citizens who are keenly interested in their cityโs future.
A Controversial Procedure
Adding fuel to the fire, the council adopted โsame night minutesโ for this decision. For those unfamiliar, this parliamentary procedure allows the council to approve resolutions in a way that essentially cuts off any discussion or amendments in future meetings. On the surface, it seems practical, but it begs the question: should a practice that can be perceived as a workaround really be a standard procedure in governance?
Historically, requests for same night minutes have been deemed normal, with resolutions flying through the council like itโs an art form. However, many believe this practice undermines transparency and democratic engagement because it makes it harder for the public to voice their thoughts.
Looking Ahead
Many Memphians are hoping this deal wonโt become a slippery slope, placing convenience ahead of accountability. The question remains whether this swift action will ultimately boost the downtown areaโs economy or if it will come back to bite the council in the form of public dissatisfaction.
As the dust settles on this recent decision, it may be time for residents to consider how the council operates and whether changes should be made to ensure a more transparent and inclusive process in the future. Who knows? Maybe next election, the candidates will be forced to clarify where they stand on practices like same night minutes since, letโs face it; this isnโt just about the councilโs efficiencyโit should also reflect the peopleโs voice.
In the end, while the purchase of the hotel could bring some much-needed revitalization to downtown Memphis, navigating the intricacies of council decisions might just be the next challenge on the horizon for our city. After all, good governance should always go hand in hand with good communication, donโt you think?
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
