The proposal to redevelop the Edgewater Hotel received a boost when it was given approval at the city’s Urban Design Commission meeting Wednesday night.

In a 5-4 decision that required a tiebreaker from Chair Bruce Woods, the UDC voted for initial approval of a revised Edgewater plan.

Developers announced they had moved the floors of the proposed new tower so it now houses guest room floors 15 feet east of a formerly proposed location.

The developers also announced an increase in parking spaces that will be cooperatively shared with the nearby National Guardian Life building during the day.

The new underground parking spaces will be located on the NGL property and will connect with existing underground spaces owned by the Edgewater.

Although numerous area residents filed in support for the project, the main opponents to the redevelopment expressed concern with the new parking proposal, noise associated with an outdoor public terrace and handicap accessibility.

Area resident and Capitol Neighborhoods Inc. member Gene Devitt brought a portable stereo and played an upbeat polka to demonstrate his point about the noise concerns associated with public events like weddings near private homes.

As audience and commission members laughed, Devitt tried to speak over the polka music to prove his point further. After shutting the music off, he addressed what he said were the serious problems with noise.

“I’m sorry to use something corny like this,” Devitt said. “You may find this funny, but this is not funny to me. This will upset our neighborhood.”

Fred Mohs, president of the Mansion Hill Steering Committee and prominent Madison attorney, said he thought even the proposed increase in parking spaces will still not be adequate enough to meet city standards.

“[The Edgewater] will eventually have to have enough parking, or else they will have a business disaster and they won’t be able to finance it,” Mohs said.

Mohs added the underground parking spaces could be expanded further underground to “infinity.”

Ald. Bridget Maniaci, District 2, and Ald. Marsha Rummel, District 6, recommended the revised proposal be sent back to the city’s Landmarks Commission for further review.

Maniaci told the commission she has continued to feel impressed with the changes to the redevelopment plans. She added many of her constituents, including a nearby fraternity, have expressed support for the project.

Maniaci also said the redevelopment, which would include a coffee shop and commercial shops, would give residents of the Mansion Hill neighborhood an alternative to going to Capitol Square or State Street for their shopping or dining.

“A lot of people are looking for a vibrant neighborhood with access to service,” Maniaci said. “It’s not going to turn into a major commercial thoroughfare … it is about trying to create some amenities.”

Other concerns with the redevelopment involved the proposed cafe and shops. Several area residents said they felt worried because alcohol policy and operating hours for the location had not yet been determined.

Maniaci said discussions regarding those concerns should begin soon.