Prince George's Co. Council advances Sphere proposal without PLA

The Prince George’s County Council advanced legislation to create the funding framework for the proposed Sphere project at National Harbor, but without the project labor agreement (PLA) some unions and council members pushed for to guarantee union workers build the venue didn't happen.

The Council forwarded legislation for $215 million in bonds to be issued for the billion-dollar Sphere entertainment project, setting the stage for a final vote on a deal County Executive Aisha Braveboy says will bring $63 million annually in tax revenue.

“It sends a message to the world that Prince George's County is an amazing place to be,” Braveboy said. “That you can do business here; that you can make good money here.”

The project nearly derailed over attempts to include a PLA, which would have required union labor during construction. Some officials said Sphere wouldn’t make the deal if it involved a PLA.

“It was actually a major compromise, I feel, because it was so far from project labor agreement,” Council member Ed Burroughs said. “Essentially, we trying to split the baby — provide some guarantee for labor while not forcing the project labor agreement.”

“We do know that this has been a contentious issue that would have Sphere walk away, and we cannot afford to have Sphere walk away on such an important project,” Council member Wala Blegay said.

The Council did pass labor peace agreement and community benefit agreement amendments.

Council members and the county executive said unions would continue to be involved, as well as small and minority-owned businesses in the county.

“We understand their concern,” Council Chair Krystal Oriadha said. “It was a concern for the Council from Day 1. But that we are committed to ensuring that we’re going to have a seat at the table and that our voices are heard. This is not going to be a situation where we will walk away.”

Union workers packed the meeting Monday, hoping there would be guaranteed jobs and wages.

“For workers who build these buildings that we have in our Prince George’s County and around our region deserve to have wages and benefits and retirement,” Said Samuel Epps of Metropolitan Washington AFL-CIO.

While officials acknowledged not everyone got what they wanted — particularly labor groups — they said the project will benefit the county with thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue to help offset the loss of Six Flags and the Washington Commanders, when the team moves into a new stadium being built in the District.

A final vote on the project is expected by the end of the month. Rules prohibit the Council from voting on legislation in November of any election year.

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