Property owner Carlos Chavez took the first major step to building back the first new structure in Times Square. The LPA unanimously approved Chavez’ 3-story structure which will include a mobile ice cream unit on the ground floor and 2 floors of residential that the family will use on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Residential is allowed in the downtown district and Chavez says the rooms will not be rental units. “I plan to watch the sunsets.”
The former Kilwins Ice Cream location at 50 Old San Carlos is about .03 acres next to Bella Mozzarella, which the Chavez family also owns. The Kilwins building was totally destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The Bella Mozzarella building survived and after extensive repairs was able to reopen.
If the Town Council approves the new building, it will be called Meli’s Ice Cream. Chavez is ready to build now, however, he needs to now go through two Town Council public hearings followed by 6-8 months of permitting. He hopes to break ground in August of 2026, which, realistically puts any opening of the business in early 2027 if everything goes according to plan.
This is the first new project to come before the LPA for consideration in the three years since Ian and it was the first Development Agreement used by a small mom-and-pop type business which was the original intent of the D.A.
The entire property is only 1,119 square feet.
How exciting!
These are great people and great people to work for!
Congratulations to them !
But, 6-8 months of permitting is just wrong !
Something is seriously wrong with the permitting process !
In my world the permits should be approved in a week ! There is absolutely no excuse for why any permitting process takes so long Including the new pier !
The problem lies in the town not being able to keep up. Permits should takes weeks at most. Another failure left from previous failed processes in the town. The towns people should voice their concerns to the county and state. Not one person in charge is doing anything about this. They will lie to your face and tell you they are working on it.
Exactly 8 months way to long.it will take 10 years to build up or island
Kudos to you and your wife. Your commitment to FMB is much appreciated!
Happy for them. They are good people.
We are very excited to be able to build something new in Times Square. I just want to mention that Meli”s ice cream is been operating in a móvil vendor for almost 3 years already.
We are trying really hard to make this very small piece of land functional, is not been easy to create this plan because all the new building codes, city regulations, the logistics of building in Times Square and the very expensive type of construction. I can only promise I will do my best to make the place look beautiful.