As we begin to speculate about potential mayoral candidates for the next election, I am curious about something. Could a new administration repeal or otherwise alter the current 20 year forgiveness of real estate taxes that the convention center enjoys?

As a city resident, my opposition to this project has not been based on the development of the site. I am concerned that I am being asked to give a consortium of private citizens a major tax break with no other guarantee of income from the project.

With every other ancillary expense associated with this project (streetcar, new sidewalks downtown, traffic and parking congestion fire and police protection, etc.) being footed by city residents, I would be interested to see if any mayoral hopeful would campaign on a platform of somehow recouping some of the expense.

Any thoughts?

I'd like to see a private investor purchase The Lancaster Marriott from RACL. Although, IIRC, Penn Square Partners has first option (Artie could confirm this).

I don't believe so. The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Lancaster is building and will own the hotel tower building and about half of the "shared space", until and unless the Penn Square Partners decide to purchase it (for a nominal fee).

I had thought long and hard about this some time ago. The only thing I could come up with would be if RACL would issue a Request For Proposals for some private entity to purchase the building. The sale would result in taxpayers losing our collective @$$e$ on the hotel tower, but at least it would make the building taxable.


If I recall correctly, it is written that way in the agreements.

I'm too tired to look up the chapter and verse right this minute.

I don't think our local hookers will make it. When they are getting busted for trying to make a $20 pickup, I don't think they qualify as high priced. I guess to be high priced, they would have to take a bath.

Where are the rooms and where are the names?

I could have sworn that this ,unacy was to be substantiated by hotel room sales accross the County but I have not heard anyhting about that. Are there any?

Exactly when are all of these un-named trade and consumer shows going to be revealed? The day before?