By Terry Schrimscher, For the Tribune
CENTER POINT –
The city of Center Point City Council met for the second regular meeting of the month, Thursday night, November 30. The Council reserved time at the beginning of the meeting for a public hearing on a request to amend zoning for a potential restaurant location.
The request to amend zoning at 2321 Center Point Parkway to allow a local catering and food truck business to open a fine dining restaurant and serve alcohol failed in the November 19 Council meeting because the measure failed to receive a second when brought up for discussion and action.
Chef Whitney Simone, who plans to operate Simone’s Kitchen and Cocktails at the location, provided Mayor Bobby Scott and member of the Council with a written proposal and a sample menu for the restaurant.
In the written proposal, Simone said Center Point currently only has one dine-in restaurant with a liquor license and noted the need for more full-service options for family dining.
“The restaurant will be located in the heart of Center Point, which is a city considered to be a food desert,” Simone said in the proposal. She said she expects the restaurant to be able to draw business into the community from surrounding cities. “We also plan to offer themed days such as Jazz Nights, Brunch Saturdays and Soul Food Sundays,” she added.
No one spoke during the public hearing on the zoning request and the amendment was passed unanimously during the regular business session of the meeting. No timeframe for opening the restaurant has been announced publicly.
In other business, the Council appointed five members to the Board of Zoning and Adjustments. The appointees are Carolyn Bell, Gwen May, Donna Craigo, Lynda Wilder and Carrie Ingram. The board meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall when it has pending business to be considered.
The Council also approved $5,800 for Murrell Plumbing to do plumbing work in the Inspections building. The office building does not currently have hot and cold running water in restroom sinks.
In his report to the Council, Councilman Glenn Williams Sr. reminded everyone to come to the city’s Christmas parade. The parade is December 9 at 11 a.m. and begins at Cathedral of the Cross.
The Center Point City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at City Hall located at 2209 Center Point Parkway. The next meeting will be held Thursday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m.