New Bill Carries Out Baker’s Boston Convention Plans
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After the Baker administration launched a new effort to sell the Hynes Convention Center and use the proceeds to fund an expansion of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, the legislative framework for that plan emerged.
Sen. Nick Collins and Rep. David Biele, both South Boston Democrats, filed bills Friday (SD 2601 / HD 4544) that would grant authorization for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority to follow through on votes it already took toward implementing the sale and expansion.
In statements provided by Baker’s office, the two lawmakers described their legislation as a key step in the process but not as the final word on how the plan, which the administration wants to implement quickly, will unfold.
“The expansion of the BCEC could bring significant opportunities in terms of job creation and economic impact in the South Boston Waterfront in a more diverse and inclusive way than ever before. But this is just the beginning of a community-driven process,” Collins said. “Anytime we consider a sale and transfer of state assets of this magnitude, there must be careful consideration of the public good. I look forward to a robust public debate on this proposal.”
Biele described the bills as “the start of public conversation involving potential economic growth and job creation” and promised it would go through “a robust review process.”