Baker Halts Convention Center Expansion
The Baker Administration halted the $1B expansion of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on Wednesday. There's concern that the project’s economic impact has been overstated and its debt payments could drain money from the state. Gov. Charlie Baker (left) also abruptly replaced seven of 13 board members at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, the quasi-public agency that oversees the sprawling South Boston convention center, according to The Boston Globe. Postponing the convention center expansion could have ripple effects on other development projects at the South Boston Waterfront—a large hotel proposal may be scaled back, and two parking garages may be scuttled. Departing convention center authority executive director James Rooney said that delays risk driving up debt and construction costs but he’s hopeful the new board members will recommend that the expansion proceed. [BG]
