By Nathan Prewett
For the Tribune
PINSON – Excitement followed a resolution by the Pinson City Council at a meeting on Thursday night to authorize Shoney’s to build a location in the city. This comes after efforts by Mayor Hoyt Sanders and the council to bring it to Pinson.
“The ice is beginning to crack around the economy,” Sanders said, mentioning several local businesses that have opened in recent times, with Daylight Donuts being one of the latest.
The Shoney’s location is expected to impact Pinson’s economy by bringing in additional revenue for the city.
“This is a major thing for us,” Councilor Dawn Tanner commented at the meeting. “I think it’s wonderful.”
The resolution was met with universal approval from not only the council but from the people attending the meeting. Of the comments from the public, one came from Pinson resident Jean Marie who said, “I’m just ready for hot fudge cake.”
Sanders said that the Shoney’s location is estimated to generate $80,000 to $100,000 in municipal sales tax. He said that the city proposes to issue a limited obligation sales tax warrant not to exceed $500,000 for ten years. The building will cost around $1.6 million with all of the requirements such as sanitation and grease traps.
Keith Hall and Frank Hall (no relation), partners from Hallmark Hospitality Group in Birmingham helping to develop the new Shoney’s location, were present to offer comments.
“I’m excited to be part of the reemergence of this restaurant,” Keith Hall said. “And I think when it’s open you’re going to see the vast improvement of what you knew years ago.”
Keith Hall said that plans are being drawn up by engineers for the construction of the building and that an architect is being selected to design it. The estimated time for completion is tentative but he hopes that construction will be wrapped up by Fall of this year.
“I think you guys are going to be proud of it,” Frank Hall said. “I think that we’re going to bring you a restaurant that you’re going to be proud of.”
The building of the Shoney’s location will be preceded by a legal process, which was explained by attorney Nick Greenwood, sitting in place of City Attorney Shane Black at tonight’s meeting. Part of the requirements for the process was a notification of the ordinance, which was published in the Birmingham News on Jan. 17 and Jan. 24. The warrant will have to be filed to a court for approval and then a deed for the land issued by the city.
The spot for the Shoney’s building is located close to where the Rite Aid building currently stands.
During the meeting the council unanimously approved to authorize Sanders to execute a license agreement with Jefferson County the use of Bradford Park, which is owned by the county. Sanders said that the park was once occupied by a soccer association but stopped using it after some time. The City of Pinson now intends to begin leasing the park for sports and recreation.
“I’m very pleased,” said Churchwell. “This will help us a lot.”
In other business, the council approved a motion to allow tuition and expenses for a visit to the Alabama League of Municipalities in Montgomery on May 19-22.
The purchase of lighting and paving at the Pinson Civitan Building was approved. Lighting will be provided by Craft Electric for $15,600 while paving to expand the parking lot will be provided by Wright Construction Company.
The council also approved the purchase of materials for repair work on three rooms at Rock School, including tiles and vinyl flooring, for $12,000.
The next Pinson City Council meeting will be held on Feb. 15 with pre-council at 6:30 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.