WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – An entertainment center with a bowling alley, pickle ball courts and an arcade could be coming to Oleander Drive. Although it’s in the planning stage, it’s one step closer to becoming a reality.
Strike LLC wants to bring the 40,000 sq ft entertainment center to 5601 Oleander Drive.
The developers brought the proposed plan before the Wilmington Planning Commission.
They explained to the board that the area is the perfect spot to develop a business like this because of population growth.
“When we looked at the market, understanding that Dave and Busters is coming to Mayfaire and then downtown some of the things that we potentially know that could be coming in the future, Oleander Drive seemed to be the best location for us”, says David Edmonds, Strikes LLC Project Manager.
The land is near Jungle Rapids, Bats and Brews, and restaurants.
The Wilmington Planning Commission agrees the location is a good factor. They also appreciated that the developers considered the safety for drivers.
Strike LLC would bring a traffic light to Oleander Drive and Dogwood Lane.
Potential neighboring businesses believes that traffic consideration is needed on the busy street of Oleander.
“They’re proposing a stop light which will be great because its hard to get out of the dollar general right there at the corner”, says Larry Casey, Owner and Operator of Casey’s.
Casey’s is a southern soul food restaurant that has sat next to the proposed property for about 20 years. The owner believes a big business like this one could boost his own business.
“I think it would be great for the businesses around here. I think it will fill a avoid, one of the bowling alleys went out and this is about strategically in the middle of the county. I think it will be a good thing”, says Casey.
Wilmington Planning Board agreed with developers giving the plan a recommended approval.
That means it will now be presented in front of Wilmington City Council on March 3rd.
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