A small group of opponents of the Winslow Hotel gathered in the rain next to Madison Avenue outside Bainbridge Island City Hall before the start of Thursday’s public hearing on the controversial project.

The 87-room hotel is proposed for two lots on Winslow Way in downtown Winslow. The proposal has met stiff opposition, with islanders raising concerns that the hotel will add to traffic and parking troubles in downtown, and bring unwanted noise to those who live near the project site.

The hearing is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Thursday. Opponents started showing up at city hall just before 9 a.m.

Shortly after 9 a.m., the crowd numbered about a dozen, though others were joining as the morning progressed. The protesters waved signs at passing cars, and received some honking horns from drivers.

Signs said: “No Winslow Hotel,” “Stop tourist invasion, house seniors & locals close-in — community matters,” “We are for right size growth — not this!” and “Hotel = Winslow Hell.”