Rent, Tax Charges Embroil Royal Palm Crowne Plaza

MIAMI BEACH, FL— Just a half-year after its much-heralded opening, the Royal Palm Crowne Plaza here has seen its acceptance by and relationship with this south Florida resort destination sour in the wake of a dispute over back rent and taxes allegedly owed to the municipality. According to a story appearing in the pages of The Miami Herald, Miami Beach officials charge Donahue Peebles— owner/developer of the upscale, Black-owned property on 15th Street and Collins Avenue— has failed to pay some $240,000 in rent since the hotel opened this past spring. All told, the city was reported as claiming Peebles owes $1.3 million in back rent and sales taxes. In return, Peebles reportedly disputes the numbers presented by the City Commission, maintaining it is the commission, not he, who has failed to honor the partnership they entered into more than six years ago to get the hotel built. “These numbers are a laughing stock; it’s a joke. You guys should be outraged that these issues have been going on for so many years,” Peebles avowedly contended. By way of response, City Commissioner Saul Gross is quoted as saying: “This is an unusual position for a tenant to take…. [He’s] operating and not paying.” The latest word is that the commission voted 5 – 2 to continue talks with Peebles through next month in hopes of reaching an agreement on the payments in question. SOURCE: The Miami Herald