Proposed Hotel Development Still Under Scrutiny

, the Oak Creek Common Council asked city officials to give it another try with the developer of a proposed hotel complex and see if the project could still move forward despite the developer's financial difficulties.

But it doesn't appear more time solved anything, as city officials are again recommending the council withdraw its financial support for the proposed development at College and Howell avenues.

"This recommendation is based upon the inability of the developer and his partners to provide adequate assurances, protections and safeguards to the city for the timely return and repayment of city funds," City Administrator Gerald Peterson said in a report to council members.

The council had pledged $4.5 million in assistance to developer Greg Trapani's Syner G Hotel Group through a tax-incremental financing district. None of the money has yet been spent, as the developer has been plagued by financing problems and unable to get construction started. In April, a .

Oak Creek officials have said Trapani wants the financial support up front as equity investment into the project. But the city has resisted because it believes a lack of protections creates an unnecessary risk for Oak Creek and its taxpayers.

"The protections sought by the city were seen as non-negotiable," Peterson said in the report.

Trapani has not returned calls seeking comment.

The first phase of the development was to include a 107-room Four Points by Sheraton hotel, business center and meeting space, a full-service restaurant and a 1,830-space parking lot for Mitchell International Airport travelers. It was projected to create 80 jobs and $21 million in additional tax base.

Aldermen said last month the proposal carried many positives and wanted to give Trapani more time to make it happen.

They will discuss the latest updates and could vote on dropping financial support in their Tuesday meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at , 8640 S. Howell Ave.