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Commission approves amendment to Convention Center agreement to remove garage land from tax rolls
Summary
The commission voted 3–2 to authorize a first amendment allowing removal of certain convention‑center garage land from tax rolls and to let the mayor execute the draft agreement; local tourism groups urged approval citing economic benefits.
City attorney Kimberly Rothenberg presented Resolution 186‑26, explaining the city had earlier agreed to a development arrangement tied to a hotel and condo component and a payments‑in‑lieu pilot in lieu of certain tax receipts. The amendment before the commission would remove a provision requiring the garage land to remain on the tax rolls and would authorize the mayor to execute the drafted amendment.
Tourism organizations provided public comment in support. Michael Zeth, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, said the proposal was reviewed and endorsed by his board and government‑affairs committee and argued the hotel would be “a significant tourism asset” expected to generate economic development. Sergio Piedra of Discover the Palm Beaches urged the commission to approve the project as a way to grow conventions and related visitation. Commissioners pressed staff about negotiating community benefits and transit mitigation; after debate the motion passed by a 3–2 vote.
