City Council to Consider Hotel Projects

The Santa Monica City Council will consider a pair of hotel developments at its meeting Tuesday evening. The two six-story hotels will bring much needed lodging to the city and for organizers of major events such as the American Film Market.

The Hampton Inn & Suites, 501 Colorado Ave., will consist of 143 guest rooms and the Courtyard by Marriot, 1554 Fifth St., will have 136 guest rooms. Both hotels will have a two-level subterranean garage with 108 parking spaces, respectively.

The Santa Monica Democratic Club, however, wants the city council to force the developers to ensure workers will be paid a living wage.

In the letter dated Nov.  8, the SMDC applauds the project as beneficial the community but raises concerns about workers’ treatment. The organization contends that full-time employment should pay living wages so that workers are not dependent on taxpayer-funded assistance.

“In keeping with Democratic Party values of just, living wages and worker representation to ensure dignity and job security, we urge you to approve these hotels only with a signed-card check agreement between the hotel operators and union, and a guaranteed wage of no less than $15.37 per hour,” the letter reads.

City staff in its reports to council members said that both hotels would be union hotels and will generate approximately $1.5 million in tax revenue and $2.47 million in net fiscal benefit to the city annually.

“The proposed hotel would provide socio-economic benefits by providing new employment opportunities, estimated at 52 permanent jobs, with a living wage for hotel employees,” the report reads.

The city council meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall Council Chambers, 1685 Main St.