EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
Questions are arising whether the developer of a new downtown Evansville hotel should hire local workers.
Previously, the city said the developer of the hotel had hire local workers, but now, that wasn't in the latest list of requirements.
It's got some people upset, including some city council members.
City officials say they are working to get language into the final contract that would hire local workers, but it wasn't in the 25 page document that's started the bidding process.
The plan to build a hotel at the corner of Martin Luther King and Walnut Street has been put on hold again and again.
"Evansville needs a hotel, and I don't know why it's taking so long," said resident Ronnie Fellows.
The city now has three out-of-state developers interested in building a 240 to 270 room hotel.
But many say their worried the companies aren't local. What's even more concerning to some is the city did not include any stipulations requiring the developer use local or union workers in the latest list of requirements.
"You got a lot of people who need jobs," Fellows said.
"I live with a union worker and they need it," said resident Kurtis Kerney.
In previous years, the city drew up tight guidelines asked developers to commit to using local and minority workers.
"It's a little weird that they'd say one thing, and once they found a developer, all of a sudden switch rules," Kerney said.
On Friday, Philip Hooper with the Department of Metropolitan Development wrote to 14 News saying, "We are currently working with local union leaders and counsel to develop language that works for all parties. The hotel project is a public-private partnership. Everyone would like to see use of the local workforce. Please remember that all of these details will be worked out in the development agreement."
The city says they should have full hotel proposals and more requirements outlined by next month.
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In previous years, the city drew up tight guidelines asked developers to commit to using local and minority workers.
