Buying old hospital parking lot a worthwhile investment

Our View

Buying old hospital parking lot a worthwhile investment

As most of us can agree, Crittenden County Judge Woody Wheeless and members of the Quorum Court have been right on in their dealing with disposing of the old Crittenden Memorial Hospital property but, we have to say their decision in not buying the 10-acre back parking lot for a mere $50,000 is short-sightedness.

As the old saying goes, “they ain’t making any more” and the fact that this is a paved parking lot and includes 10 acres directly behind what will soon become a state-operated rehabilitation facility is a valuable asset.

While the state now has possession of the old hospital let us remind justices that this is a lease deal and the old facility and its property still belongs to the county, which means that it is very possible that one day disposing of it again, or tearing it down, may be an issue in the future.

Let’s say for the sake of discussion that the county was to purchase the acreage, and let’s understand that it could then be leased for a fee to the state to use for its employees, guests and visitors. After all, the parking lot was created by the previous CRH management for its employees and visitors and was obviously needed due to the volume of vehicles. We would certainly think that the state corrections could also find a need for the parking space and acreage.

Okay, the argument being made not to spend a mere $50,000 for this piece of paved property was voiced by Justice Vicki Robertson who said, “We’ve put enough money into this building.” Well, that is absolutely true but what Robertson fails to recognize is the fact that the taxpayers of Crittenden County could actually benefit from owning this acreage based on the simple fact that the county still owns the old hospital property.

There is minimal maintenance on the acreage which comes at a very cheap price and the county could actually lease it to the state to use for its employees.

Now then, let’s say that the property is sold to a private investor. That investor will probably do exactly what we are talking about and charging the state correctional facility to use the parking spaces.

Why, in heaven’s name, should the county pass up this revenue opportunity?

While we certainly understand the hundreds of thousands of dollars the taxpayers have dumped into this situation, we all have to admit that the outcome has clearly turned out to be an absolute blessing.

With the new jobs coming into the community as a result of the effort Judge Woody Wheeless has put into bringing this rehabilitation center here, and the investment being made to bring the facility up to standard we believe the taxpayers of Crittenden County will certainly benefit.

There is absolutely no logical argument that can be made for the county to pass up this opportunity that could actually generate money.

It is short-sighted thinking to use the argument being made by Justice Robertson. It is simply not thinking about the whole picture, and for that reason it is important for justices to rethink this situation and seriously investing in this opportunity to generate money.