Metro

Bill would force hotel developers to submit plans to community

The hotel industry can barely keep up with demand from the city’s surging tourism industry, but a Brooklyn legislator plans to introduce a bill that would make it harder to build more rooms.

Legislation drafted by Councilman Jumaane Williams (D-Brooklyn) would force developers to submit their plans to the local community board for review before starting construction. It would also require a public hearing before a hotel project could proceed.

Hotel developers currently have to meet zoning regulations before building, but aren’t subject to further community input. The added hurdles don’t make sense, industry insiders said.

“There’s no need for this extra bureaucracy,” said Lisa Linden, spokeswoman for the city’s Hotel Association.

Williams, the Housing Committee chair, said he wrote the legislation after complaints from Canarsie constituents caught off guard by a “hot sheets” motel planned for their neighborhood. But, he insisted, his bill is aimed only at blocking seedy hotels, not derailing legitimate ones.

Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito is reviewing the bill, a spokesman said.