There is currently controversy over city money given to the developers of Fourth Street Live.
Members of Metro Council say the mayor mishandled a $950,000 forgivable loan to the Cordish Company. Cordish is supposed to use the money to renovate the old Lucky Strike Bowling alley into a sports bar.
The Abramson administration cut the $950,000 check before getting an opinion on whether it was legal; and just as Metro Council was deciding whether to restrict the mayor's power to transfer city development funds as he pleases.
The mayor has since been told he was allowed to cut that check, but one councilman says it doesn't matter; he says it's not money well spent.
Kelly Downard, Metro Council, said, "It opens up almost $2 million for spending on vital services, instead we are spending it on another sports bar."
Jerry Abramson said, "They're willing to put their money in and match with ours in terms of an opportunity for renovating and refreshing the entertainment venue, and that is what the money the Board of Alderman set aside 7 or 8 years ago was to be specifically used for."
The owner of city block, a different entertainment venue located downtown, said they have to spend their own money and plenty of folks would like the city's help.
The mayor says he welcomes those businesses to apply for money; just like Cordish did.