Local business seeks approval for dog cafe on historic Route 66

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposal for a new business in Wildwood's historic Grover community, specifically a dog café and coffee shop that will also feature a retail store. The site, located in the Wildwood town center along the historic Route 66 corridor, is currently zoned as an amended C-8 planned commercial district, which permits various commercial activities including professional offices and retail shops.

The building, originally constructed as a single-family dwelling in 1950, has been converted for commercial use and includes an access driveway, parking lot, and fenced lawn space. The petitioners have already obtained an occupancy permit for the café and are seeking to utilize the building's commercial kitchen on a temporary basis while they pursue an amendment to the governing ordinance to formally allow for a commercial kitchen at this location. This amendment process is expected to take up to 90 days, with an application already submitted to the planning and zoning commission for review in August.

The city's economic development director, who also serves as the city administrator, expressed support for the proposal. However, the department noted that they have received one comment opposing the request from a neighboring property owner. The board is expected to consider this feedback as they move forward with the proposal.