City no longer in the running for Tunnel

Unless the Mayor has access to deep pockets he hasn't let us in on yet, it looks like Alinda really wants to keep on managing the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel.

Firm issues bid for American side of Detroit-Windsor tunnel

UPDATE: According to a report today by the Detroit News, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick announced in a impromptu press conference, that Alinda has boosted its offer to $70 million from $60 million.

Furthermore, he said he would veto the portion of the Detroit budget, approved by the City Council, that relies on the sale of $58 million in bonds to Windsor and that he was "excited" that a new offer is on the table.

Anyone else get the feeling that Windsor was used to drive up the price on this one? Kwame doesn't really give a hoot who runs it - just whoever's going to provide the most cash.

I can't wait to see the legal bill for our negotiations. This was dumb to begin with, no matter how the Mayor tries to spin it, now it's going to be dumb, expensive and pointless. Yet another good example of why Cities shouldn't be or try to be in business.

Three strikes and you're out.

PS. I wonder what the City of Windsor could do with an extra $75 million US right now?

Update: here's the coverage of the "impromptu press conference" held by Mayor Kilpatrick. Can the City of Windsor win a bidding war with Alinda?

Kilpatrick: Let's rethink Cobo expansion

David Josar / The Detroit News
In a wide-ranging, impromptu press conference on the front porch of The Grand Hotel, the mayor also said he would veto the portion of the Detroit budget, approved by the City Council, that relies on the sale of $58 million in bonds; was "excited" that a new offer is on the table to lease the city's portion of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel; and is against a proposal to make the Michigan Legislature part-time.

Before becoming mayor, Kilpatrick had been House Democratic leader.

Kilpatrick said that Alinda Capital Partners LLC has already increased to $70 million from $60 million its offer to extend its lease with the city for its part of the tunnel.

The city had already been negotiating to lease the tunnel to Windsor.

This afternoon, Kilpatrick is to be on a panel with Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Macomb County Commission Chairman William Crouchman, Ficano and Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis.

You can reach David Josar at (313) 222-2073 or djosar@detnews.com.

Stay tuned!