Palm Beach County votes 6-1 to terminate La Quinta purchase after failed due diligence
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Summary
Staff told commissioners the La Quinta property failed to meet due-diligence requirements; the board voted 6-1 to terminate the purchase agreement and asked staff to explore alternative properties and report back, including potential interest in the Ramada Inn.
Palm Beach County staff recommended ending the county’s planned purchase of a La Quinta property after the buyer failed to meet several due‑diligence requirements, and the Board of County Commissioners voted 6-1 on Nov. 4 to terminate the contract.
Administrator Abruzzo told the board staff’s review found the La Quinta did not meet terms of the due‑diligence process and recommended not continuing with the purchase. “It did not meet the terms of their due diligence process,” Abruzzo said, urging the board to follow staff’s recommendation.
Commissioner Weiss moved to terminate the contract; the motion received a second and passed 6-1. Commissioner Powell recorded the lone no vote and said his opposition reflected concern about next steps and the need for an alternative housing plan for people experiencing homelessness. Board members asked staff to pursue other potential properties — including asking for more information on the Ramada Inn — and for a follow-up report on options for sheltering and housing vulnerable residents.
The vote ended the county’s immediate purchase process for the La Quinta property. The board did not approve any new acquisition at the meeting and asked administration to return with alternatives and additional information on homelessness housing strategies.
