Smithgall said he hoped to announce a letter of intent on those issues within a few weeks. Responding to questions from two hoteliers in the audience, Smithgall and Pickard said Penn Square Partners is not offering potential operators of the hotel a guarantee that they also would manage the convention center . Peter Chiccarine, whose company manages the Eden Resort Inn and other hotels, asked when the authority might entertain proposals from other potential convention center operators. Pickard said it is too early to predict that, without knowing the center 's size or the background of the company that will manage the neighboring hotel. Also at Wednesday's meeting, the authority heard from participants in the Lancaster Campaign's Destination Downtown Committee about their efforts to revitalize the city.
Projects range from new directional signs to guide brochures to transportation improvements.
Pickard agreed the authority should receive monthly updates from the group, which involves efforts of about 65 volunteers.