Several City Council members hope a letter to the chairman of Marriott Hotels will bring about a change to save some local businesses.

The letter states:  "We are writing to request that Marriott work with the community stakeholders to create a revised development plan that accommodates the ongoing operation of the block's existing small businesses."

They hope the hotel giant can redesign its proposed hotel on Congress Avenue to allow businesses like Las Manitas and others to stay. 

"We want to make sure Marriott knows the Austin City Council expects them to work to be a good corporate citizen of Austin," said Brewster McCracken.

Council members believe the $185 million proposal, which could add up to 1,000 hotel rooms in downtown, could be revised to keep all of the businesses from moving.