SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Spanish Fort residents might soon have another carry-out option to adorn their dinner tables, but the Planning Commission wants a few more questions answered before giving the green light for a crawfish operation not far from City Hall.

The carefully-worded site plan application discussed at Monday’s informal work session was filed on behalf of Bruce Sanders, who wants to create a “crawfish preparation and customer pickup facility” on the site of the abandoned service station at the intersection of Spanish Fort Boulevard and Stanton Road.

The existing auto repair shop on the same lot, Harold’s Automotive Repair, will not be affected by the proposed development, and the primary concerns raised involved zoning classification, available parking and water and sewage concerns.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) A. Hudson McDonald, an engineering and construction consultant representing Sanders during the meeting, said his client has no plans to change the existing structure except to have the canopy removed and spruce up the exterior by closing in the garage doors and replacing them with a glass storefront.

Because the proposed use is not a sit-down restaurant, however, commissioners wanted more detail before deciding if the B-2 zoning fits the use. For instance, if the establishment does not provide sit-down service, then fewer parking spaces are required.

At the same time, the commission does not want to grant too much latitude with an establishment that could easily cross the line into a processing facility, thereby, exceeding its zoned authority.

Chairman Carl Nelson made the distinction that if Sanders intends to only boil and sell the crustaceans, he doesn’t see a problem, but if there are plans to remove the heads and go so far as to freeze them for future use, then it becomes a processing plant, “and that’s a whole different story.”

Nelson is also concerned with the seasonal nature of crawfish, while Commissioner Mary Brabner raised the question of waste removal for an admittedly strong-smelling operation that will back up to a residential development.

“There’s a lot of unanswered questions,” said Vice Chairman Bernard Davis.

Building Official Bruce Renkert said he doesn’t see a problem with the zoning classification as long as the business is properly categorized, but there are concerns regarding refuse and sewer services in a business regarding such a high volume of water in a building that has been vacant for six years.

In other business the commission:

The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Spanish Fort United Methodist Church Prodisee Center, immediately following a 6 p.m. work session.

An informal work session will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 31 in the conference room at City Hall.