02/22/12 Construction could begin once more on the Comfort Inn on Michigan Street in Plymouth. For over two years, a sign in front of the structure said the hotel would be opened in 2010. However, with 2010 coming and going, Mayor Mark Senter added the project to his list of what he terms “eyesores” in the community that he hopes to see improved. Senter recently published the list as a part of his “Operation Bright Spot” and, as anticipated, is now been getting responses from owners.

One of the primary investors in the Comfort Inn Project, Sammy Sirhan, said on Tuesday that they will be closing on a construction loan within two to three weeks and then begin the inside work at the site immediately.

Sirhan said, “When we originally began the construction, we were assured by a local Plymouth bank that our loan would be approved.” “We went all the way to the committee for approval and then were turned down.” he said. According to Sirhan, the investors have already put $1.25 million into the project of their own funds. Sirhan said that other banks and investment companies have not considered loans for them because they started construction without the final loan approval.

Sirhan said they will be working to have a September 1, give or take a two week period, to open and be fully staffed. According to Sirhan, they want to be opened prior to the annual Blueberry Festival.

He said, “There is a potential for 18 new jobs.” Sirhan said they will bid out the construction work to local contractors and trades that will help the local economy.

Sirhan said, “We have worked with three administrations (Plymouth mayors) to get his project finished.

The investment group that Sirhan is a part of also owns the Microtel Hotel near the Notre Dame campus. Once completed, the Comfort Inn will have an indoor pool and a business/conference center to accommodate 150 people.

Sirhan said, “Our engineers are “dusting” off the plans now and sending them to the state for approval.”

Mayor Senter said the City sent a certified letter to the CEO of Choice Hotels concerning the matter, but has not received a response. Choice Hotel is a parent company of Comfort Inns.

When hearing that work could begin within a few weeks, Senter said, “We hope that will happen.”

Carol Anders Correspondent