Plan to revitalize downtown Palm Springs moves forward

The Downtown Revitalization plan is officially moving forward in Palm Springs after Wednesday night’s announcement by city attorney Doug Holland.

“Riverside County Superior Court Judge John Evans has denied a petition by Advocates for Better Community Development for writ of mandate against the city of Palm Springs, Wessman Development and the Downtown Revitalization Plan. The downtown revitalization is moving forward,” Holland said.

The appeal would have further delayed construction of a six-story hotel planned for the downtown area.

The city and the group reached a settlement in January when ABCD withdrew its appeal of a judge’s decision to deny their petition to place a referendum on the ballot against the city of Palm Springs’ hotel plans for downtown revitalization.

The agreement stated that ABCD would be paid $50,000 to withdraw the appeal.

City officials said the $50,000 was to pay the group for legal fees that were incurred during the process.