California officials OK talks with Joe Montana

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Santa Clara officials have given the go-ahead for the city to begin negotiations with legendary quarterback Joe Montana for a hotel and entertainment complex across from the 49ers new stadium.

The San Jose Mercury News reports (http://bit.ly/LCSjLZ) that the City Council voted 4-2 on Tuesday in favor of negotiating exclusively with Montana's group.

The project would go up on two city-owned lots, totaling 8 acres. Montana has said he has money for a four-star hotel, a sports bar, an upscale restaurant and additional entertainment uses.

They would open with the new 49ers stadium before the 2014 NFL season.

The two councilmembers who voted against the idea - Jamie McLeod and Will Kennedy - said the city should open the land to all potential developers instead of working only with Montana.

Information from: San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News, http://www.mercurynews.com

Updated June 27, 2012