For years, the Chesser’s Gap shopping plaza on S. Fleming Street in Sebastian has struggled to keep tenants in place. But a plan is afoot to breathe new life into the ailing center and that plan recently cleared a major hurdle – the City’s Planning and Zoning board.
Real Estate broker and general contractor Art Krieger presented the plans for Strike Zone Entertainment Center in seeking a conditional use permit that would allow such activity in the plaza.
The plans call for:
- 3,000-square-foot laser tag arena
- 45-50 games in the family-friendly arcade
- Party/conference room
- 14 bowling lanes furnished by Brunswick
- Restaurant/Sports Bar and lounge
- Golf/Game simulator – 160 golf courses available to play as well as numerous other video games
- 2 pool tables
- 2 dart boards
“Our idea was to revitalize the shopping center,” Krieger told the zoning board. Krieger said the plaza has been mostly empty for a while – naming the Irish pub and the Chinese restaurant as the only businesses still operating there.
Interior demolition is getting underway and engineers have been in and out making calculations for electrical loads, plumbing and other upgrades the facility needs.
When it’s all said and done, Krieger expects the entertainment center to have between 15 and 25 employees.
Dorri Bosworth, from the Community Development Department, said that City staff recommended full approval of the conditional use permit, noting that the four criteria needed for such a permit were met for Strike Zone.
“We’re going to be happy to see an empty store for the last five or six years get a tenant in it and hopefully bring some business with it.”
Planning and Zoning Board members were equally enthusiastic about the project, voting unanimously to approve the permit.
A couple did raise concerns about the arcade and the redeeming of tickets for small prizes.
Lousie Kautenburg said it was her personal belief that such machines amount to gambling and questioned whether it was right to expose children to such things. She said she understood that the prizes are small toys and treats and the games are child-friendly.
“I would rather see a small theatre” instead of the arcade, Kautenburg said.
Otherwise, she said, she loved the idea of the center. She noted that many people in Sebastian have nothing to do and this would give them some new options for entertainment.
“This is exactly what needs to be in this (planned unit development),” fellow member Ed Dodd said.
He questioned the so-called “party patio” outside the center in the rear of the building. Krieger explained it is meant to be a place for smokers and those who vape – as smoking and vaping are not allowed inside.
Krieger also told the board that two of the center’s owners are from the PBA – the Professional Bowlers Association – and they intend to provide scholarships for high school bowlers seeking entrance to the PBA.
Hours of operation have not yet been determined but Krieger said the owners are considering opening at 10 or 11 a.m. daily and closing around 11 p.m. or 12 a.m. on week nights and staying open until 1 or 2 a.m. on weekends.
Work is expected to get started in the coming weeks as permits are approved and build-out could take a few months.