Council approves first reading of special-use permit for downtown arcade at 105 Cotton Square

The Lufkin City Council on first reading approved an ordinance granting a special‑use permit for an indoor commercial amusement at 105 Cotton Square in downtown Lufkin. The permit, proposed for a family‑friendly arcade featuring claw machines, drew no public speakers during the council’s public hearing. City planning staff said the site is within the downtown planning focus area and is designated mixed‑use in the city’s comprehensive plan. Kevin, a city planning staff member, told the council the property “is located just south of the Perry Building in the Cotton Square Drive” and that the applicant planned “to establish a family friendly arcade with claw machines.” He said nearby uses include restaurants and retail and that the Planning and Zoning Commission had “unanimously recommended” approval. Councilmember Mike Parker recused himself from discussion and the vote, saying the applicant is a tenant in one of his downtown buildings and asking Councilmember Robert Schenkel to handle the item. Schenkel moved approval; the motion was seconded and passed with an oral aye vote. The council conducted the hearing, received no public comments on the proposal, and advanced the ordinance on first reading. No amendments or conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes. The permit will return to the council for any subsequent readings or final adoption as required by city ordinance; the council did not set a future date during this meeting.