Stet NewsCity in limbo after 3-3 vote
A divided West Palm Beach Commission, sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, was unable to agree Monday evening on whether to continue negotiations with West Palm Beach-based Vita Lounge to operate the historic Sunset Lounge.
What’s at stake: The city has a $20 million investment in buying and improving the music venue in the historic Northwest Neighborhood.
- Operating costs for the closed building are more than $25,000 a month.
Commissioners Shalonda Warren, Christy Fox and Joseph Peduzzi voted to continue discussions. Mayor Keith James and Commissioners Christina Lambert and Cathleen Ward voted to terminate.
“Basically, we are in limbo,” James said after the two motions failed, 3-3.
What’s next: Warren proposed a special meeting with Vita for commissioners to ask more questions. The mayor said he would consider it.
Editor’s note: This story was updated to reference that the City Commission was sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency when it voted.
