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Council pulls proposed convention/hotel project after residents and unions raise traffic, air‑quality and subsidy concerns
Summary
Council removed item 21 from tonight’s agenda after multiple residents and a union representative questioned environmental review, long-term tax subsidies and large infrastructure costs tied to a proposed 600‑room convention hotel; city staff said the item will be re‑advertised.
Residents and interest groups pressed the council over a proposed convention/hotel project (item 21), and the item was pulled from tonight’s agenda for further review.
Speakers questioned both the environmental review and the financial terms. A resident who identified concerns about an outdated environmental impact report urged the council to reopen the EIR review. Chris Robles (founder of Fair Ontario) cited the staff materials and said the project raises significant issues across "air quality, cultural resources, global climate change, noise, traffic, and transportation." He flagged a $6,500,000 city contribution for a pedestrian bridge and questioned a reported right‑of‑first‑refusal sale of the Miller property for $100.
Perry Meade, speaking on behalf of Local 11, said the city's addendum shows the project would add 4,842 vehicle trips and asked whether the city was considering "TOT forgiveness" (transient occupancy tax relief) for 20–30 years and subsidies equal to up to 50% of construction costs. Jordan Sysak, counsel for Local 11, urged the council to post a date‑certain for the item’s return and noted a comment letter that, he said, highlights buried deal points including 50% impact‑fee relief and an on‑the‑hook share of bridge costs.
The city attorney confirmed the item was pulled and will be re‑advertised and brought back to a subsequent council meeting. Council did not take a vote on the project tonight.
No formal subsidy agreement or final approval was adopted at the meeting; the council directed staff to accept and review evidence and comment letters and to return the item for future consideration.
