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Residents press council for transparency on downtown hotel land transfer and incentives
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Summary
Public commenters urged the council to halt or fully explain a land transfer and incentive deal involving the Midland Development Corporation and downtown hotel developers, citing missing contract details and inconsistent explanations of council and MDC approval authority.
During the public‑comment period residents raised concerns about a proposed land transfer and incentive package connected to a downtown hotel project managed by the Midland Development Corporation (MDC).
Robin Campbell said the city’s public‑contribution figures and the treatment of the land in the financing package were unclear and asked the council to put the land transfer on hold until residents’ questions are answered. She noted the presentations discussed $45 million in cash payments and alleged that a $15 million land cost and related demolition expenses were not included in the public contribution calculations.
Judd Campbell urged greater transparency and public updates on what he described as the largest project MDC has undertaken. “Before we give away our land, before we give away our resources, we need to make sure that the agreement is being met,” he said, asking the council to schedule an agenda item to provide an update.
City staff responded that certain disbursements under the master development agreement are made by MDC and do not require separate council approval, and that the city’s incentive percentage is below market compared with peer projects and that other taxing entities receive tax benefits once the hotel is built. Council did not take action on the public request during the meeting and moved into an executive session on related economic development and real‑property matters.
