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The Nederland City Council on Monday approved a tax incentive to allow the owners of Butcher’s Korner to develop outdoor dining.

A $65,000 incentive with a 4.4 year monitoring period was approved by the EDC Board of Directors at their July 17 meeting. Now, the council has ratified the incentive offered to GNR Enterprises LLC, which runs the Butcher’s Korner restaurant on Nederland Ave. 

“There’s not anything in Jefferson County that I know of, possibly even in Orange County for this,” a representative with GNR said. “Visualize a Conex container-type restaurant that’s going to be outside for upscale fine dining with linens.”

The LLC plans to create this new fine dining experience on the lawn next to the existing Butcher’s Korner location. The upcoming project, which is yet to be named, is expected to be open on weekends and provide patrons a nice outdoor atmosphere with offerings such as steak and alcoholic beverages.

The council also reviewed reports from the water department regarding water quality. No deficiencies were found, and a consumer confidence report is available online.

Councilmembers did approve and authorize a bid process in relation to a new water clarifier for the treatment plant. Replacement will include demolition of an existing clarifier, replacement of water and chemical lines, and the addition of a secondary aerial access bridge. 

The project will be paid for with the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund. Bids are expected to be reviewed at the next council meeting.

Finally, the council also heard results of a traffic study done at the intersection of 27th St. and Helena Avenue. The study concluded that intersection operations have been improved by changes made to the pick-up and drop-off areas of Helena Park Elementary School and C.O. Wilson Middle School. When school renovation projects took place, the inflow and outflow of school traffic was modified to allow more vehicles to wait on the schools’ property rather than on the street.

While the traffic study said the light could be decommissioned entirely, the school district expressed concern about student safety. After taking these concerns into account, the light at the intersection will remain in place, with a school crossing guard directing traffic in the area once classes are back in session. If additional changes are needed, the council will revisit initial suggestions from 2022.