Voters in November 1999 approved a bond issue to double the size of the Colorado Convention Center, with the promise that a hotel would be built nearby.

But the Bergers have been unable to go to the financial markets for financing because the Hotel Employees and Restaurants Employees Local 14 is unhappy that Hyatt won't agree to be completely neutral while it tries to recruit workers to its union.

The city won an initial court battle with the union, but the union has until next month to appeal.

One idea the city is considering is to let voters decide on the hotel in November, which is what the union wants. The city, through the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, plans to provide a $55.3-million subsidy for the hotel.

Another idea is to ''unwind'' the bond financing for the convention center expansion, which would be unprecedented.

Yet another option is to delay the construction of the convention center. That alternative would cost the city an extra $500,000 to $1 million each month.

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