Springfield council backs BOS Convention Center expansion but residents and members warn against new tourism authority

The Springfield City Council on May 12 passed an amended resolution expressing support for expansion of the BOS Convention Center and related downtown tourism projects, but the decision came after lengthy debate and dozens of public comments that raised concerns about a companion state bill that would create a new, appointed tourism authority.

Supporters said the expansion could boost convention capacity and downtown foot traffic; opponents — including several aldermen and many residents during the public-comment period — said the proposed Capitol Area Tourism Authority (the legislation discussed as Senate Bill 3499) could divert local sales and hotel tax revenue and place key decisions in the hands of an unelected board.

Alderwoman Notriano, who opposed parts of the enabling legislation, told the council an appointed board with limited city representation would be “an assault on democracy” and warned that the authority could…