Potential Restaurant at Kennedy Sees More Delays

Trenton City Council members Monday requested a study session before they consider approving an agreement that would allow a .

The study session was set for 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, and a special meeting will immediately follow the study session in the event council members are prepared to vote on the approval of the contract with the restaurant group.

The initial request to open a restaurant in Kennedy was made in April and council members have been vigilant in going over the details in an effort to protect the city from any potential vulnerability.

Council member MaryEllen McLeod said she wanted to use the study session to talk about insurance coverage for the building.

"My concern is if there's a fire that takes out the entire building I think that the lessee's insurance should cover that loss and not our (the city's) primary policy," McLeod said. "I could be wrong, but as it stands now our insurance would cover our portion of the damage and their insurance covers their portion."

Trenton Mayor Gerald Brown said council members would discuss the insurance issues at the study session.

The Kennedy Restaurant Group LLC, formerly Beautiful Waters, is the company hoping to build and open a restaurant inside Kennedy.

Ron Marcissuk, Jr., head of business affairs for the restaurant group, said he wants to have the restaurant open and fully functioning by Dec. 1, 2011, but the study session might push the opening date to Jan. 1, 2012.

According to a contract agreement, the restaurant would be using a space of about 6,000 square feet on the second floor of the recreation center. They would also take over all concession sales on the first floor.

The restaurant group plans to obtain their own liquor license and provide their own security when the building is not otherwise open for city activities.

The group plans to operate between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Marcissuk said he isn't frustrated with the negotiation process, but that he is anxious to get the restaurant going.

"We are doing everything within our power to open that restaurant by Dec. 1," Marcissuk said.

He added that the additional six days he has to wait before council members vote on the contract will likely inhibit progress in construction.

"Every day (approving the contract is delayed) translates to three to five days in construction terms," Marcissuk said.