RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — Riviera Beach City Council will be hearing comments from its residents, as they could decide Wednesday night whether or not to move forward with the plans to rebuild the legendary Crab Pot restaurant.
“We have a deficit of waterfront restaurants to come, dine, and just have a great time,” said Noble Lockhart-Mays.
Lockhart-Mays is hoping that the proposal to rebuild the historic Crab Pot, where it once stood ---would be approved by the Riviera Beach City Council Wednesday night.
“I do believe it will have a huge economic impact in my community. Because I live here, in Riviera Beach as well,” he said. “Creating jobs, creating training, on the job training. I think that’s something that is much needed in our community.”
These are some renderings included in the proposal of what it will look like. It will be a 4,482 square foot restaurant, with an outdoor wooden seating area, a deck extension overlooking Lake Worth Lagoon, and 12 onsite parking spaces.
"It was something that people looked forward to going to. That was our seafood restaurant. That was our Red Lobster, and now that it’s no longer there, the people want it back," said Artie Williams, who supports rebuilding the restaurant.
Back in the 1970s through the 1990s, the Crab Pot was known for having some of the best tasting seafood in town, as well as great views of the water.
It was located underneath the Blue Heron Bridge until the restaurant was demolished. The building suffered extensive damage after the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, but the intent was to always rebuild.
Long-time residents said there's a desperate need for waterfront dining options in the city.
They said rebuilding will not only provide a unique experience but also help boost the local economy and bring much-needed jobs and opportunities to Riviera Beach.
"It's just the idea you need this. We don’t have a Red Lobster in Riviera. We don't have anything on Broadway to attract us to go and have a meal, which is what I call affordable," said Dan Calloway, who supports rebuilding the restaurant.
However, some people are concerned that bringing the restaurant back will lead to heavy traffic, trash issues and loud noise.
If the site plan for the restaurant is approved, the project's developer said he would finally be able to move forward and begin the permitting process.
“Play is a part of you know, having a nice restaurant to come and look out over the water in a safe environment,” said Lockhart-Mays.
