Senate seeks information on proposed Miramar project allegedly linked to lobbying firm Politank

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz

By THE STAR STAFF

The island Senate has requested details on tax decrees, communications with developers, meetings and actions related to the exclusive residential project under construction in the Convention Center District.

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz requested detailed information from the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC by its acronym in Spanish) regarding potential tax incentives, official communications and government actions related to the Opus Miramar luxury residential project, currently under construction in the San Juan Convention District, as part of an investigation to determine if there were any improprieties. 

The request was made through Information Request 2026-0089, approved by the Senate during its June 8 session and addressed to the acting DDEC Secretary Roberto Lefranc Fortuño. The Senate gave Lefranc five days to provide the information. 

In the document, the Senate requests information on whether the Opus Miramar project or any of its affiliated entities has a current or pending tax exemption decree under Law 60-2019, known as the Puerto Rico Incentives Code, as well as information on the decree number, date of issuance, beneficiary entity and expiration date.

The request also requires certified copies of all communications related to the project received from or issued by DDEC since January 2023, including exchanges with developers, authorized representatives, lobbyists, attorneys, certified public accountants, or consultants. Additionally, it requests all communications between La Fortaleza officials and DDEC personnel related to Opus Miramar since January 2025. A firm called Centuria, which is linked to the project, is allegedly a client of lobbying firm Politank, which was previously owned by La Fortaleza Chief of Staff Francisco Domenech Fernández. 

Rivera Schatz further requested a complete log of meetings, hearings, conferences or appearances in which the project was discussed or evaluated, including dates, participants, purpose and minutes. The Senate also requested information on applications for decrees, extensions, transfers, or any other tax benefits granted, denied or pending, as well as the identification of individuals or entities that have appeared before DDEC on behalf of the development.

The letter states that the DDEC must submit the requested information on or before June 15. The Senate warned that, should it not receive a response within the allotted time, it could exercise its legal powers to obtain the requested documents, including holding public hearings.

Opus Miramar is the first exclusively residential project in the Convention District and began construction in late April with an estimated investment of $80 million. The development includes 40 luxury residences priced from around $3 million to over $11 million, along with amenities such as a concierge, gym, pool, and co-working spaces. At the start of construction, the developers reported that nearly 40% of the units already had buyers.