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Council approves $600,000 settlement with Belle Palm Plaza owner; two new businesses expected
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Summary
Council approved a settlement with the Belle Palm Plaza Limited Partnership that provides a $600,000 one‑time payment to the general fund and clears outstanding claims; staff said the agreement will facilitate two businesses—Loaded Cafe (already open) and an expected Jersey Mike’s—and that any drive‑through use will require future discretionary approvals.
The Bell City Council approved a settlement with Belle Palm Plaza Limited Partnership (the Watt Company) intended to resolve outstanding claims related to the development partnership for the shopping center.
City staff described the negotiating history and said the settlement will provide the city a one‑time, unrestricted payment of $600,000 to the general fund and is tied to agreements about property maintenance and notification of future transfers. Staff said the settlement also clears a claim the owner had asserted relating to prior permitting issues. Counsel clarified that any new drive‑through restaurant proposed on the undeveloped parcel would still need to apply for and receive a conditional‑use permit from the city—the settlement does not automatically authorize a drive‑through.
Council members asked clarifying questions about the payment structure and the nature of the released claims. Staff said the city will work with the owner on development of Parcel 5 and noted that two businesses are expected to occupy the center: Loaded Cafe is already open and Jersey Mike’s is anticipated to open within two to three months.
A motion to approve the settlement was moved and seconded; roll call recorded affirmative votes and the motion passed with the vice mayor absent.
Staff said the settlement resolves longstanding obligations tied to a 1988 disposition and development agreement and should enable progress on tenancy and maintenance at the center.
