County OKs consulting and site contracts for Convention Center planning while turnback tax remains pending

The Lancaster County Board on May 12 approved a set of professional-service and related items tied to the Lancaster County Convention Center planning effort while the project’s turnback tax approval remains unresolved.

Commissioners approved a professional-services agreement with Legends Project Development (formerly CSL/Convention Sports and Leisure) for project advising, with a not-to-exceed cost of $57,200, a title-company engagement for work on Block 90 property, and a geotechnical and environmental services agreement with Terracon Consultants. The items were presented together as steps to keep the project ready to proceed if and when turnback tax approval is secured.

Commissioner Sean Flower Day, who moved the package, said the county’s application for turnback tax consideration left the project ‘‘tabled, not killed,’’ arguing the small contracts will position Lancaster County to act quickly if funding approval follows. ‘‘This just lines us up so we can keep moving,’’ he said. Other commissioners said they were supportive but cautious, noting the project’s progress depends on the turnback tax decision.

The board voted unanimously to approve the agreements. The meeting record indicates ongoing discussions about the project’s future and that no additional county funding was approved at this meeting; commissioners described the current actions as preparatory.