Nutter Still In The Dark Over Clarke's Plan To Sell Vacant School Buildings
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Mayor Michael Nutter says he's still somewhat in the dark over Council President Darrell Clarke's plan to send $50-million to the school district in exchange for the right to sell some vacant district buildings. Nutter wants to know who's interested in buying them.
Clarke has said his staff has received expressions of interest from at least 11 developers to buy certain school district properties, but he hasn't made public who is interested.
Mayor Nutter says he has requested but not yet received those details either. So is he frustrated?
"I wouldn't use that word," he responded. "I would say that it would help further the process -- for both us and the school district -- if there are legitimate expressions of interest, or these letters of interest, whoever they are and whatever they might say, is helpful, would be helpful in the process. So we'll see. At some point in time, they may forward them to us."
Council President Darrell Clarke's office did not reply to our request for comment.
Nutter has until a week from Thursday to decide whether to sign or veto the legislation to transfer the $50 million. He could also let it become law without his signature. But even with approval of that measure, Nutter would not be obligated to actually release the funds.
