Council reviews economic-development assistance request for new restaurant at 13308 Western Ave.

Councilors discussed a proposed development agreement to support rehabilitation of the building at 13308 Western Avenue for a new barbecue restaurant. Staff said the project would re-open a long-vacant storefront and would require building-system upgrades including fire suppression, a walk-in cooler replacement, fire alarm work and plumbing/water-heater improvements.

Economic-development staff described a request for assistance totaling approximately $240,000 to cover those capital upgrades. Staff said the aid would be structured as building-tied assistance (improvements attached to the property and not removable by the business) and would include a requirement for the operator to maintain the business at the site for a set period (the exact term was discussed as comparable to prior agreements and will be specified in the development agreement).

Staff said the prospective operator — described as purchasing the building — expects a sit-down restaurant of roughly 30 to 40 seats. Councilors asked whether the assistance was contingent on the buyer’s actual closing and staff confirmed that disbursement would be contingent on closing and completion of agreed improvements. Staff said terms would mirror prior agreements used for similar downtown projects and that they would present a formal development agreement for council approval once details and closing were confirmed.

No final vote was taken; staff were directed to draft formal agreement language tying funds to the building, confirming performance terms and returning the contract for council action.