They're tired of feeling surrounded by social service agencies. When we talked last week, Mr. Edmondson said his comments have been misunderstood. He isn't against social services, he says, but he does think they should be spread throughout the region. Furthermore, Covington really needs Mr. Butler's property for public parking, Mr. Edmondson says. This will be the stated motive from here on out.
Every city needs parking.
If Mr. Butler makes a fuss, Covington will claim parking as the compelling public use. Mr. Edmondson says yes. Apparently, parking is that crucial and that unavailable anyplace else. I find this hard to believe. In reality, the good folks behind the Life Learning Center are being forced to pay for the city's lack of planning in its central business district.