PORT ANGELES — The developer of a proposed waterfront hotel and conference center has yet to show “proof of financing” as the city’s deadline approaches, the city economic development director says.
“I’m looking for proof of financing for the project and I’m not seeing that coming together yet,” economic development director Tim Smith said Wednesday.
“It’s clear to me that he’s working very hard to pull it together, but you’re not graded for effort.”
But developer Randal Jay Ehm remained defiant, saying he will present a potential public financing method to the city’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee on Aug. 16.
Ehm, president of Ehm Architecture of San Diego, has proposed a $17.5 million full-service hotel — possibly under the Marriott brand — with 171 rooms and enough banquet and high-tech meeting space for up to 700 conferees on 3.8 acres at the corner of Oak and Front streets.
The city has offered Ehm a $100,000 annual subsidy from hotel-motel room tax revenues for 20 years to pay for marketing the conference center.
Permit’s first anniversary
The City Council has given Ehm until Sept. 4 — one year from when he received his shoreline substantial development permit — to begin construction.
If he misses that deadline, the city’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee could recommend to the City Council that it revoke the subsidy offer.
