Compton

City officials have broken ground on Compton’s first major hotel, a $30-million project that is expected to create about 350 permanent jobs and boost tax rolls by at least $600,000.

Construction of the 300-room hotel and 26,400-square-foot convention center at the 91 Freeway and Alameda Street is scheduled to begin in about two months, with its opening tentatively set for fall, 1986.

About 450 workers will be employed during construction, city officials estimate.

The 12-story complex will generate about $300,000 in sales, bed and property taxes in its first year and about $600,000 by its fourth, officials estimated. After five years, the city will receive 25% of the project’s profits, or about $500,000 annually, City Manager Laverta Montgomery has said.

In addition to the hotel and convention center, the project will include a restaurant, health spa, ballroom, 100-seat live theater and two-story parking garage.

Applications are being accepted for participation in the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program, which is expected to provide jobs for about 1,000 young people.

Compton residents 14 to 21 years old are eligible for the eight-week program beginning July 1. Pay is $3.35 an hour.

Applicants may register weekdays from noon to 4 p.m. at 600 N. Alameda St. Proof of Compton residency, Social Security card, birth certificate and verification of parents’ income are required.

Information may be obtained by calling Betty Hill at 537-8000, ext. 386.