West Palm mayor: City's economic boom paves way for new, expanded convention center hotel

West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James called for unity and shared highlights of the city's post-pandemic boom Thursday during his fifth "State of the City" address at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this morning, let me assure you the state of our city is strong and robust," James declared before a packed ballroom. "We are experiencing transformational growth that captivates attention far beyond our borders. It's the type of growth every city strives to achieve and envisions in its dreams."

That growth could soon be exemplified by yet another large-scale development project, a 400-room convention center hotel that would be built by Related Cos., which has already undertaken numerous other projects in West Palm Beach, including The Square — formerly known as CityPlace and then Rosemary Square.

James, who picked up another four-year term as mayor last year when his lone opponent failed to meet the city's residency requirement, said he learned last week that Related Southeast "is about to file plans" for a facility that will be an expansion of the Hilton West Palm Beach located on the convention center site.

City and Palm Beach County officials have long hoped for an expansion of hotel space at the convention center. James' announcement of Related's plans drew enthusiastic applause from the audience, which included elected officials, business and community organization leaders.

"Having those 400 new rooms right there on the campus of our convention center will enable us to attract larger conventions that will attract more people to come to West Palm Beach," James said. "Very, very exciting."

Numerous companies have relocated to West Palm Beach in recent years, fueling a commercial real estate boom that has earned the city the nickname "Wall Street South," a moniker James has been happy to embrace.

That boom has allowed West Palm Beach to quickly turn the page on the economic pain of coronavirus pandemic, which shut down governments and businesses.

Recent city budgets have illustrated West Palm's burgeoning economic vitality

The city has agreed to large raises for members of the unions that represent police and fire department staff.

The budget city officials passed in September included money for a 5% cost-of-living raise for city employees as well as salary adjustments that could be as high as 15%.

"Our employees are the life blood of the city and critical to our ability to provide high-quality customer service to our residents," James said. "To help us retain and recruit top talent, the city updated its employee compensation structure, providing non-public safety employees with unprecedented salary market adjustments."

Mayor: Violent crime has seen a significant drop in West Palm

An economically resurgent West Palm Beach has experienced a drop in crime, the mayor reported.

Violent crime rates have reached a 20-year low, James said, adding that "homicides have decreased by over 22%, and sexual assaults are down by more than 20%."

Property crime rates, however, have edged up.

"We must do a better job of reducing property crime," James said. "Last year, the city experienced a 3% increase, primarily attributable to auto thefts and burglaries. It's crucial to note that, despite that increase, the city still remains 9% below our five-year average."

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In addition to the uptick in property crime, James noted another dark moment — the display last year of an anti-Semitic symbol on a downtown building and the distribution of anti-Semitic leaflets in the city.

"We swiftly implemented measures to combat hateful acts, sending a clear message that West Palm Beach stands firmly against discrimination of any type," James said. "Not here. Not in our city. Not on our watch. That's not who we are."

What hasn't worked: A marina plan and the still-empty Sunset Lounge

James focused much of his roughly 45-minute address on the accomplishments of his administration over the past year.

Left unmentioned were a couple lowlights, most notably the aborted plan to have a $16 million marina built on the city's Flagler Drive waterfront and the still-empty Sunset Lounge, the 1920s era dining and entertainment venue that was rebuilt with $16 million in city money.

Resident anger about the marina plan shelved it, and legal disputes have derailed the re-opening of a lounge that is to serve as a linchpin in the redevelopment of the city's largely-Black Northwest community.

James touched on the city's efforts to combat homelessness, but that, too, is an area where his administration's decisions have drawn the ire of some residents.

The mayor backed an ordinance to require people and groups to obtain a permit before carrying out large-scale food programs in city parks. James argued that the mass feedings drew homeless people to the parks, dissuading other residents from using them.

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Homeless advocates complained about the new ordinance, saying it was hard-hearted. Some who had been cited for violating the ordinance sued, and a judge ruled in their favor.

The city is modifying the ordinance, not scrapping it, much to the chagrin of some homeless advocates.

A spectacular new public golf course brings life to the city's south end

One of the splashiest highlights of the past year for the James administration was the opening of The Park, a 192-acre golf facility that features a driving range, a restaurant and indoor space for after-school programs for children.

James has said more than $55 million was raised from private donors to build the facility, which sits on land that, for years, sat fallow after the demise of the city's old municipal golf course.

The Park has garnered rave reviews from golfing enthusiasts, though some local golfers have complained about its high prices.

James touted the public-private partnership that led to the construction of The Park, but, for the public, such partnerships can have a downside.

Officials at The Park have not fully disclosed who contributed to the rebuilding of a facility that is near and dear to the mayor's heart.

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James said one donor is the most famous golfer in the world: Tiger Woods.

For James, the benefits of public-private partnerships are clear. They limit the public cost of expensive ventures that benefit the public.

The mayor said he views those partnerships as examples of what can be accomplished when people and groups in the city work together.

Such unity, he said, will keep the city vibrant and inclusive.

"Let us reach out, connect and work together," James said at the close of his speech. "Let us share our skills, our time and our resources. Let's listen to each other, learn from each other and build a future together that we can all be proud of."

Wayne Washington is a journalist covering West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm Beach mayor Keith James gives "State of the City" address