East Lansing came one step closer to getting a new hotel Tuesday night.

A proposal to build a three-story, 78-room Marriott or Hampton hotel was moved forward at the City Council's meeting. A public hearing for the proposed development will be held March 6.

The building would be located at 1100 Trowbridge Road, directly behind the pre-existing Howard Johnson hotel. Final approval of the hotel is still far off, said Darcy Schmitt, an East Lansing community development analyst.

"We're reviewing the development plans, making recommendations to the planning commission," she said, adding that the planning commission will ensure it fits with the Trowbridge Road area.

While the proposal has not hit any snags, the building's height might require alterations. The current proposal calls for a three-story building, but current zoning codes only allow for two-story buildings in the area.

Also presented at the meeting was the final copy of the updated comprehensive plan, which outlines goals for East Lansing in the next 20 years. The plan focuses on senior housing and increasing the number of 25- to 39-year-olds throughout the city.

"The document itself is very comprehensive — it gives us a direction," Mayor Pro Tem Vic Loomis said. "It's a living document."

Included in the plan are goals to build strong neighborhoods with various types of housing. It also aims to create a more urban setting along Grand River Avenue while making it more accessible to pedestrians.

"We also believe this is an opportunity to enhance the college downtown area," said Jim van Ravensway, East Lansing's planning and community development director, at the meeting.

The council also agreed to postpone an application to add electrical and sewer access at 3318 and 3332 West Road, citing concern about the environmental ramifications of the project. The plans call for the construction of an office park, which would have cable and sanitary lines running through about 142 feet of a wetland.

"If we're going to develop wetland, I want to see more wetland come into the city," Mayor Sam Singh said.