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Council approves EDC grants and motions of intent for Bayou Cafe, 7 Brew and potential H‑E‑B and AGB projects
Summary
The Orange City Council on Aug. 26 approved EDC infrastructure grants and motions of intent for several commercial projects, including a $90,000 grant for Bayou Cafe and motions of intent for potential H‑E‑B and AGB projects that could use up to $1.5 million each in eligible infrastructure incentives.
The Orange City Council on Aug. 26 approved EDC infrastructure grants and motions of intent for several commercial projects described as part of the city’s economic development strategy.
Council approved an EDC infrastructure grant of up to $90,000 for Todd Stark’s Bayou Cafe, a repurposing of a former Sonic at 2210 Highway 62 South. EDC staff said the site has been substantially renovated and the project is nearing a late-summer opening. The motion passed unanimously.
The council also approved advancing a $350,000 EDC infrastructure grant for a drive-through coffee shop identified as 7 Brew at 3131 North Sixteenth Street, where a former Allstate building was torn down. Council members said they are pleased to see infill development on Sixteenth Street.
On larger prospective projects, the council approved EDC motions of intent for a proposed H‑E‑B store on West at North Sixteenth Street and for an AGB project at IH‑10 West at North Sixteenth Street. The H‑E‑B motion would allow a reimbursement grant of up to $1.5 million for eligible infrastructure and a proposed sales-tax rebate equal to 33% of sales tax generated at the site over a 10‑year period; the AGB motion mirrored the $1.5 million eligible infrastructure amount and discussed a potential sales-tax rebate structure. Those items were described as “motions of intent” and contingent on negotiation of final agreements and project completion.
EDC staff presented each proposal. Council members voted in favor of the Bayou Cafe, 7 Brew and the motions of intent for H‑E‑B and AGB; votes were taken on the record and passed with council members voting “Aye.” Specific contract terms and final agreements will return to council for final readings and signature as projects advance.
