By Jerry Creel, Community Development Director
Last week in economic development, the city council voted to approve a text amendment to allow Seasonal Fireworks Sales as a conditional use in Regional Business (RB) Zoned Districts.  Also, the council voted to approve a 5 year, 100% tax abatement for the White House Hotel. Only the taxes for the improvements to the structure are abated. The city will continue to receive the current land and building taxes for the property. Once the hotel opens in August, the city will begin receiving new revenues for lodging, restaurant and retail sales.
In other news, the Maritime Seafood Museum is nearing completion. The demolition project south of Harrah’s Casino is winding down. Discussions are continuing with Sal and Mookie’s for a new restaurant on Lameuse Street, and with Blind Tiger for a new restaurant on Beach Boulevard. Preliminary site work is underway for another new (yet to be named) restaurant next to Shaggy’s.
Last week we received, and are currently reviewing the construction plans for the new Caillavet Park Baseball Stadium.
