Council launches new initiative to incentivize downtown restaurants

Mar. 27—WEATHERFORD — A plan to encourage the downtown restaurant business was approved by the Weatherford city council Tuesday night.

The Downtown Restaurant Incentive Policy aims to attract businesses that are chef-driven with unique concepts to capture the downtown character.

"Our downtown is truly something special and unique that provides incredible charm for our citizens," said Assistant Director of Economic Development Ashley Seitz, who will be accepting policy applications from applicants. "Through research, we've found that the average restaurant startup cost is about $300,000 to $400,000 and the goal is to help remove some of that burden."

Those accepted would be required to have a minimum capital investment of $50,000, and the city would provide a dollar for dollar match, up to $200,000, on reimbursable expenses after a business files a first lien in favor of the city with the Texas Secretary of State.

Items that fall under reimbursement include permanent kitchen equipment (walk-in freezers, refrigerators, ranges and ovens), grease traps, electrical, plumbing and mechanical, and flooring, roofing and windows, fire suppression, architect and engineering plans, bathroom renovations, heating and AC, and ADA compliance items. Items not listed would be on a case-by-case basis, and half or more of the reimbursement incentive must be used on approved kitchen equipment.

Applicants must acquire a building permit, complete the construction process and submit necessary receipts with proof of payment before reimbursement will be made, going through both the planning and zoning commission before coming to the council for final approval.

Councilmember Matt Ticzkus, who voted nay to the policy's approval, though he admitted it was a good concept, said reading the initial $200,000 figure caused him sticker shock.

"I love what we're doing and trying to bring to our downtown," he said. "I'm 100 percent on board ... my initial read is it's a lot of money for that."

Other council members said they'd initially felt the same way.

"But I had to take a step back and take a more comprehensive view," Mayor Paul Paschall said, noting the dollar for dollar contribution match means an equal investment from both the private and public sector. "Overall, our goal and what we've heard from the community is we need more to do in downtown. What we've been doing has not been effective in attracting restaurants."

Resident Lynn Baber raised several concerns, including traffic and amenities that would keep people in downtown beyond just their dining hour.

To her question regarding lessees and whether franchises would be considered, City Manager James Hotopp noted the policy would be open to businesses leased or owned, though in the event that a lessee applies, it would ultimately become the property owner's since it applies to items permanently affixed to the building.

"The program is open to any and all," he said, adding the program's intent is not for franchises as it specifies "unique concepts." "Existing businesses have the opportunity to apply for this with the expansion of their restaurant ... or through 380 [Grant] or the facade improvements we have.

"The policy is not intended to attract 10 or more ... I think we can envision three of four."

The policy is also limited to the area of the Downtown Weatherford Central Business District, which spans out from the square to North Alamo, Columbia, West Water and South Walnut streets.

Ticzkus pointed out the importance of letting existing businesses know the policy is open to all.

"We do want to recognize the folks that have already invested," he said. "These places have been through a global pandemic and survived some tough times, and they've stayed here in Weatherford."

For more details of the policy, including the application process, visit https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/2517650/Restaurant_Incentive_Policy.pdf.

The council Tuesday also: — Approved the 2023 Weatherford Housing Market Analysis, including revisions made after a joint discussion with planning and zoning in February.

Changes include keeping the projected demand but limiting approvals to roughly 150 multifamily units per year, resulting in roughly 578 units remaining for approval through 2030. — Approved a donation of retired extrication equipment from the Weatherford Fire Department to the Weatherford College Fire Academy.

WFD Chief Jonathan Peacock said the equipment is around 17 years old, with a used value of $2,000 to $4,000.

The department no longer uses gas-powered tools, as all front-line extrication tools have been converted to battery power.

The donation includes a power plant, ram, cutter, spreader and two hydraulic hoses. Peacock said the department is entertaining other fire academies for other sets as well. — Approved, following a public hearing, a conditional use permit for a tool and machinery rental facility off Fort Worth Highway. — Approved, following a public hearing, amendments to a zoning ordinance and development agreement with Bethel Place. — Approved, with conditions, a conditional use permit for an electric vehicle charger at the Pilot Travel Center.