Two committees of the Pine Bluff City Council on Monday recommended that the city issue a promissory note for $3 million to purchase furniture, fixtures and equipment for the Mariott Courtyard Hotel.
The Council’s Development and Planning Committee and Ways and Means Committee met jointly to also recommend approval for resolutions authorizing an interlocal agreement between the city and Convention Center Public Facilities Board and transferring money from the city to the board.
Council Member Bruce Lockett, who is chairman of the Development and Planning Committee and Council Member Latisha Brunson attended the meeting in person and Council Member Steven Mays was on zoom. Council Member Glen Brown Jr., of the Ways and Means Committee also attended in person while Council Members Lloyd Holcomb Sr., and Mays, the other members of the committee were on zoom.
Lockett questioned the ordinance saying that the city has already given $2.9 million to the project after initially saying that no tax money would be needed.
Dee Brown, the CEO of the P3 Group, which will build the hotel, explained why additional money is needed.
Later during the meeting, there was this exchange between Brown and Lockett.
Lockett also contended that a 125-room hotel would not generate enough significant tax revenue for the city.
First Ward Council Member Latisha Brunson, where the current new Mariott hotel is to be built, wants the old Plaza Hotel torn down immediately.
Near the end of the meeting, Brunson had this to say.
Demolition of the old hotel is expected to start shortly, followed by clearing of the land, following by the closing of the hotel deal in September.
