Local leaders show support for construction of new hotel in Deer District

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee city and labor leaders are urging a common council committee to sign off on a plan that would pave the way for a new hotel in Deer District.

A zoning change from the Zoning, Neighborhoods, and Development Committee would allow a hotel to go up at the northwest corner of Vel R. Phillips and State.

But there is plenty of opposition to the plan, for a variety of reasons.

The mayor and others made their final pitch Monday before Tuesday's vote.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said at a news conference, "Good jobs. Good union jobs. That's why I'm here right now."

That was the pitch in a nutshell Monday from the mayor, the Bucks, and local labor unions.

They're urging the ZND committee to change the zoning to allow a 7-story, 150-unit Moxy Hotel to go up in Deer District.

Bucks President Peter Feigin said, "If you have not been to a Moxy, check it out. It is cool, it is a product that doesn't exist in this city."

The plan's advocates laid it on thick.

Milwaukee Area Labor Council President Pam Fendt said, "The Deer District has been featuring family sustaining wages, good benefits, a voice, and safety in your workplace."

They promoted all the economic benefits for the city and for union workers.

Jose Ramirez works for Laborers Local 113. He said, "The construction of the Moxy Hotel is vital for the social and economic development of people like myself."

But there is plenty of opposition.

Several labor unions oppose the plan on principle, accusing developer NCG Hospitality of trying to bust a union at The Trade hotel just a few doors down.

NCG Hospitality sent us a statement that said, in part:

"The Trade Hotel continues to believe that the allegations are wholly without merit. The Trade did not violate the rules and in fact went above and beyond to ensure all team members were informed and encouraged them to vote so their voice could be heard."

Others oppose the plan because they think the city could do better.

The General Planned Development approved in 2015 called for a 300-unit, 20 story hotel. The Moxy plan is roughly half that capacity, and people worry significantly less revenue.

One couple wrote, "We deserve the best return on that investment. The proposed Moxy Hotel falls far short."

And Milwaukee County Board Chair Marcelia Nicholson said this plan "is not the best we can do."

But the mayor and other advocates say it's the best option available right now. Mayor Johnson said, "It'd be really, really sad if that location remained a gravel lot. A vacant space. A constant reminder of what could have been."

The committee vote comes Tuesday morning at the ZND committee meeting. That starts at 9 a.m. at City Hall.