SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Valentine’s Day could be a little sweeter than normal for Cole Properties LLC, the family-owned company seeking approval to build a 35,000-square-foot family entertainment center at the Eastern Shore Centre.

The Planning Commission indicated during Monday’s informal work session that favorable action could be taken on the petitioners’ land use, preliminary and final subdivision plat and site plan requests as soon as the next regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 14.

Public hearings will be held on all but the site plan requests during that meeting, however, and Commission Chairman Carl Nelson cautioned Frank and Sonya Cole that the public input will be considered before any action is taken.

Although no action was taken during the work session, eight of the commission’s nine members expressed support for the project, which dominated discussion because the Coles are working on a strict financing timeline to break ground before the close of April. Commissioner Maura Dismuke was not present at the meeting, but she did forward e-mailed questions — all of which were addressed.

“From what I’ve seen, the Planning Commission is in support of what appears to be a wonderful partnership. (The Coles) offer wholesome entertainment and have an impeccable reputation down in Foley,” said Spanish Fort Mayor Joe Bonner during Monday’s informal commission work session.

The Coles, who own and operate Gulf Bowl in Foley, have proposed construction of a $4.6 million mixed-use facility on Eastern Shore Boulevard just south of Arlington Properties. If approved, the complex would include a 24-lane bowling alley, arcade, sports bar and grill, billiards, a mezzanine area and laser tag.

Sonya Cole said the facility would employ 45 people.   

“This is a good site for what they want to do, and it’s exactly the sort of project we envisioned when (the Eastern Shore Centre) was approved. Anything that brings families out is a good thing for us,” Building Official Bruce Renkert said.

Commissioners agreed the B-3, or general business, zoning of the site is appropriate, and they indicated subdividing the lot into two parcels presents no problems. Lot 2 would house the development and Lot 1 would create access to the property.

The lion’s share of Monday’s discussion focused on the proposed creation of a private road entering the property that developers contend amounts to a glorified driveway.

Commissioners initially requested a security bond be produced, guaranteeing the road’s financing — which led to a lengthy debate over whether or not such a bond was even necessary. By the conclusion of the meeting, however, City Attorney David Conner advised that the bond would not be necessary if the proposed plat could be revised to indicate explicitly the Coles will never allow access to the property from Eastern Shore Boulevard.

The nuance, Conner said, guarantees the proposed private drive would provide sole access to the property and would negate the need for the Coles to secure a precautionary bond.

In terms of the site plan, Renkert said everything appears to be in order with ample parking included, the accessibility of existing utilities and “excellent” lighting.

Bonner said he does not foresee any problems with the project’s desired approval, and he said the Coles do an “extraordinary job” policing their existing Foley complex, offering a “safe and pleasant” option for family entertainment.

“They run a heck of a good business,” Bonner said.

The Coles initially petitioned to build the facility at the southwest corner of the Lawson Road and County Road 13 intersection in Daphne. The attempt failed in December, however, when the Daphne City Council voted 4-3 not to include bowling alleys and family entertainment centers in that site’s existing B-1 zoning.