A ruling by the City Commission Wednesday evening has cleared the way for the Outback Steakhouse to continue construction in the Searstown Shopping Center. Managing Partner Brett Hull-Ryde said the grand opening charity event for Big Brothers/Big Sisters is set for Sunday, Dec. 19.
"We'll be open to the public at 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 20," he said.
Construction was temporarily put on hold last month when Outback's building permit was appealed by the developer of the Overseas Market Shopping Center— who also owns Friday's restaurant.
Lawyers for Overseas Market argued that Outback's renovations are so extensive that the cost would exceed 50 percent of the building's value— and, therefore, the City's Floodplain Management Code would kick in. The building would have to be elevated, they said.
Sitting as the Board of Adjustment Wednesday evening, the City Commission unanimously rejected that argument.