Now that the current debt for the Monroe County Convention Center has been paid off, the expansion project can take its next step forward.
Read more: Convention leaders pushing expansion along, but where's the parking?
At its meeting last Tuesday, the Monroe County Council unanimously approved the transfer of all but the southern portions of the property purchased for the convention center expansion to the Capital Improvement Board.
The value of the property exceeds $1,000, which means the council needed to approve any property transfer.
The southern portion will be transferred to the county.
Read more: Convention Center is paying off loan, paving the way for expansion project
Councilmember Peter Iverson said the project needs to maintain its momentum.
“I think this is a done deal,” said Iverson. “I mean, I think this is a no brainer, excuse me. The slowdown we have seen previously on this I don’t think needs to happen here.”
County attorney Jeff Cockerill said the southern portion of the property was purchased with innkeepers tax dollars, which could indicate potential uses for the buildings in the future. The Monroe County convention and visitors commission decides how innkeepers tax dollars are spent. The commission’s mission it to support the county’s convention and visitors industry.
Read more: Convention center expansion project moves into final design phase
Construction is expected to begin in June with completion scheduled for January of 2027.