Aug. 02, 2011--CLAREMORE -- The Claremore City Council approved incentives Monday for Leisure Hospitality to build a Hampton Inn & Suites at the former Oklahoma Plaza site.

The city agreed to waive the 1 percent portion it retains from the 5 percent hotel tax. The rest goes to the Claremore Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The agreement is contingent upon the company's acceptance.

The $10 million, 80 room facility would give the city the ability to host larger community events, CCVB Director Tanya Andrews said.

"An upscale hotel facility would bring revenue into the city," she said.

"I know we have dollars leaving the city and we would like having those dollars spent here," said Councilor Mark Lepak.

But Lepak also shared concerns about offering incentives to incoming businesses.

"I am sensitive to business owners that have already been in our community and started them without incentives," he said.

The new hotel will be added to previously planned Oklahoma Plaza development. Recently, the hotel chain has added a hotel in Catoosa.

See the Wednesday Claremore Progress for more.

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