Commissioners approve transfer of convention-center properties to Capital Improvement Board; My Sister's Closet requests lease clarity

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners on March 26 voted 3-0 to approve Resolution 2026-10, authorizing transfer of parcels adjacent to the convention center to the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) and directing that interim uses and the historic nature of some buildings be considered.

Jeff Cockrell (S15) told the board that the CIB asked the county for the remaining properties on the block south and west of the convention center to support a convention hotel project. The resolution asks the CIB to allow interim tenants to remain where feasible and to respect historic buildings during decision-making.

Sandy Keller, executive director of My Sister's Closet (S10), told commissioners her organization's lease expires July 7 and that renovation timelines have slipped because state and federal funding offices are delayed. Keller asked whether the county could extend the lease month-to-month or otherwise help avoid displacing services for vulnerable women.

"We are respectfully asking the county to consider our situation with either a month to month or an extension on our lease," Keller said, noting the nonprofit could be forced to lay off 11 staff and would otherwise need to store inventory if displaced.

Chair (S1) and Cockrell recommended a meeting including a CIB representative, Cockrell and My Sister's Closet to clarify timelines and possible interim arrangements; Cockrell said the CIB and county council will have separate approval steps and the county will continue to be involved until title transfers.

The board approved Resolution 2026-10 3-0. Staff said they will forward the resolution to the county council and the CIB and try to schedule a meeting to discuss lease timelines and potential short-term extensions.