MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Township Board approved the Residence Inn by Marriott with a vote of 7-0.

The Board gave them final approval to continue this project.

Residence Inn is a hotel that is used for long term stays, which differs from how a normal hotel works.

The Residence Inn by Marriott is more of an apartment type style with refrigerators and a larger living space.

The Board said it will be nice to have because it is so close to Michigan State University.

"I was really happy to see their willingness to work with the Township", said Township Trustee, Angela Wilson. "They really listened to what the board and even what our citizens said at the public hearing at our last meeting. It was great because they came back, they were responsible, and came back with solutions."

The Township was concerned with some missing amenities like the lack of bike racks, and handicap accessibility.

The Board approved the construction of the Residence Inn on a 2.5 acre site with 96 rooms.