No parking tie-up seen in Stranahan lot dispute

2/29/2008

A dispute over a parking lot to the west of the Stranahan Theater won t jeopardize parking for The Lion King anytime soon, officials on both sides of the negotiations said yesterday.

Negotiations between the nonprofit trust that operates the Stranahan, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, which owns the land, will continue with the goal of not having to close the lot, said Thomas Heintschel, an attorney for the Scottish Rite.

It s fair to say we are trying to work toward a financial solution that would protect our property rights and not disrupt any theatrical productions, he said.

His client wants the Stranahan to pay for the use of about 390 parking spots not included in the lease agreement.

Lucas County Common Pleas Judge James Bates dissolved a temporary restraining order Wednesday that would have prevented the Scottish Rite from blocking the parking lot.

Ward Whiting, executive director of the Stranahan Trust, said the Stranahan could handle Lion King parking without access to the western lot, but it would be a problem in the future if multiple events take place at the facility. The Lion King runs through March 30.