SAN DIEGO – A proposal to expand the San Diego Convention Center moved forward this week, as the Port Commission voted to allow negotiations to proceed.

The convention center wants to add a new wing on property administered by the port along San Diego Bay. As part of the expansion, the port wants a 250-room hotel built.

On Tuesday, the Port Commission voted 6-0 to approve an agreement that allows Port District officials, convention center officials and a private group leasing the development site to negotiate a deal.

Fifth Avenue Landing LLC has had a lease to develop a hotel behind the convention center since 2001, but has been unable to do so. Under the agreement, the Fifth Avenue group – local businessmen Art Engel and Ray Carpenter – will be paid $1 million by the convention center through November of next year.

During that time, the convention center will determine whether the expansion and hotel are feasible.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders urged the commission to adopt the agreement, saying the expansion is needed to keep the convention center competitive in the future.