Council approves Old Town permits and a facade grant as part of downtown upkeep

Council took several Old Town Keller actions July 7 intended to manage occupancy and preserve downtown character. After public comment and staff presentation, the council amended and approved a special use permit allowing Amazing Hair Salon to operate in a 500‑square‑foot Old Town space; the council attached a two‑year time limit to the SUP so the business must return if it seeks a longer entitlement.

Separately, the council unanimously approved a separate SUP to permit first‑floor office space in excess of 1,200 square feet at 118 West Olive (Bluegrass Legacy) after staff confirmed parking and operational compatibility for Old Town zoning. Following the SUP approval, staff presented a façade improvement grant application for the same address. The council approved the grant at the requested maximum of $10,000 to help fund siding, a wraparound porch, windows and lighting — a project staff said totals about $38,900 and has additional private investment.

Why it matters: Old Town decisions try to balance occupancy (keeping unused spaces active) with a policy preference for experiential and retail uses in the historic district. Several council members noted the difficulty of finding uses that exactly match Old Town’s ideal mix and supported limited, conditional approvals to avoid long‑term conflicts with the district vision.

Representative quotes: Planning staff noted the Amazing Hair Salon had previously operated at the location and had made façade and paving improvements; one council member said a one‑ or two‑year SUP gives the downtown a chance to see if the use functions well with surrounding retail and restaurants.

Next steps: The salon will operate under the two‑year SUP and must reapply if it seeks a permanent entitlement; the Bluegrass façade work will proceed under the usual reimbursement grant agreement and city staff will track the project to completion.