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Lake Wales commission approves settlement to regain downtown hotel building
Summary
The City of Lake Wales commission voted unanimously to approve a settlement agreement that will return a downtown hotel building to city control; commissioners and staff praised negotiators and said the city will seek proposals for redevelopment.
The City of Lake Wales City Commission voted unanimously to approve a settlement agreement to regain control of a downtown hotel building, the commission said during its meeting.
The approval, which the body took by roll call, followed staff recommendation and a period of closed-session negotiation described by commissioners as successful. Commissioners said the signed agreement returns the building to city control and keeps demolition off the table while the city evaluates reuse options.
The agreement was presented by staff and city legal counsel; the commission chair asked whether any commissioner wished to comment before the vote. Commissioners praised the work of the city attorney and the administration in completing a signed agreement after the negotiation process. The commission emphasized the building’s potential as a landmark and a catalyst for downtown investment and said they expect multiple proposals for redevelopment.
City officials said the negotiation strategy had been developed in an executive session the prior week and that the signed settlement is the result of a multi-party effort involving commissioners, legal counsel and city administration. Staff recommended approval of the settlement in the meeting packet; no members of the public spoke during the item.
By approving the agreement, commissioners said the city will now determine next steps for the property, including soliciting proposals for restoration and reuse. Commissioners did not specify a redevelopment plan or funding source during the public portion of the meeting; details and a timeline for solicitation were not specified in the meeting record.
The commission moved directly from the staff presentation to a roll-call vote and approved the settlement by the recorded affirmative votes of Deputy Mayor Gibson; Commissioner Thompson; Commissioner Williams; Commissioner Gillespie; and Mayor Hillgoss. The settlement will be handled according to the terms shown in the staff packet and the signed agreement on file with the city attorney’s office.
City staff said the commission will consider implementation and redevelopment options in future meetings and that more detailed proposals are expected to be brought forward for public review and formal action.
