Aired 1/9/15 on KPBS News.

For years, the city of San Diego has worked to expand its Convention Center, but a court decision in August brought the project to a halt and little has been mentioned about it since.

Inside the annual San Diego International Auto Show this month, three locals were asked a question: What do you think about using public dollars to expand the Convention Center?

That, I dont really have much of an opinion on," Steven Schott said.

Public dollars for an expansion? I havent even thought of that one. Im not sure about that question," Johnny Moon said.

Well, I dont know. It all comes down to distributing funds and looking at the whole big picture. So I dont know," Maggie Pettit said.

Pettits a Coronado resident, but Schott and Moon are San Diego taxpayers and theyll likely be asked to OK using public funds for an expansion.

Their uncertainty is understandable. Originally the city didnt think it needed approval from voters to cover the $520 million project. But last summer a judge ruled it did. With no back-up payment plan, Mayor Kevin Faulconer faces a tough decision on how to move forward.

And attorney Cory Briggs is part of the problem. He represents groups opposed to various elements of the expansion. So far, hes successfully argued in court against the funding scheme. He has another lawsuit pending over the location. The current design would add to the existing Convention Center on the San Diego Bay.

If the city wants an expansion, three conditions must be met, said Briggs in an interview from his law offices.

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Faulconers San Diego Convention Center Decision Expected Next Week