MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Beale Street Development Corporation (BSDC) wants its' property back. The group is taking the man who leases 380 Beale to court on October 13, 2011, with the anticipation of breaking their 99-year lease with him.
Randle Catron, BSDC executive director, says the City of Memphis is suing the corporation for $10,000 worth of back taxes owed for the property at 380 Beale.
Catron says the man leasing the property, George Miller, hasn't been paying the taxes, which is a violation of his lease. The BSDC leased Miller the property in the 1970’s. Under the lease agreement, Catron says Miller is ordered to pay insurance, taxes and rent.
“We're not paying the $10,000 taxes due on the bill," Catron tells abc24.com. "That’s Mr. Miller's taxes and he’s supposed to pay them. It’s supposed to be paid up. No late fees on taxes. No overdue taxes. That’s in his lease.”
According to Catron, Miller also missed up to eight months of rent. Catron and the Beale Street Development Corporation are scheduled to meet Miller in court next week. Catron hopes the judge allows them to break the lease with Miller.
“We'll terminate everybody's lease in the building," he says. "Any and everybody's lease.”
Which means Miller and Club Crave, the business now operating out of 380 Beale, would both be out.
380 Beale, formerly known as The Plush Club, was shut down by the District Attorney General’s Office in 2010. It was known for shootings and riots. In August 2011, it reopened as Club Crave. Within a month there was a shooting outside the club that sent six people to The MED.
Catron says if the BSDC takes back the property, they will meet with the City of Memphis and the corporation’s board to see what is needed on the corner. He says it will not be another club.
The Beale Street Development Corporation has been trying to reach a deal with Miller for years. In 2010 Miller told a judge he needed time away from court for health reasons.
