Hotel Debate

Milwaukee Skyline
Originally uploaded by compujeramey.

The debate over the number of hotels being added to downtown Milwaukee is heating up. Mayor Barrett is beginning to add his views, and I'm sure the Common Council will have some very public viewpoints sooner rather than later.

Personally, I think they're needed and would compliment his transit plan nicely (judging by their location). On the flip side, I can see the possibility that the city doesn't have the money to support the developments right now.

It would be interesting to see data on how many people come to events in Milwaukee (i.e. Summerfest, the new Harley museum) and end up staying out in the suburbs. How much more money would the city of Milwaukee make by having so many more people consistently staying downtown? My guess is that it would have all kinds of welcome side effects.