While a jazz club at 50th & Baltimore sounded like a good idea, to the developer planning to create the club it was more of a misunderstanding. According to a Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) newsletter, developer Craig King has claimed the L&I inspector who issued the permits for a sit-down restaurant with a jazz club misinterpreted King’s intentions.

On June 18th, King withdrew the application first issued in April for a 75-seat restaurant to include music and entertainment at 5037 Baltimore Ave., before its scheduled ZBA hearing date. King stated he had only planned to have jazz sometimes, according to the June 2013 CPN newsletter and “did not intend” to obtain a liquor license. He met with the community and stated he plans for a coffee and juice bar. Neighbors however, are concerned it could be a site for future BYO use. (editor’s note: OH NO! A BYOB!!!)

Juice, not jazz

Even without the jazz, if the restaurant manifests it would represent continued renewed interest and development along the 5000 block of Baltimore Avenue. Nearby there are plans for Babylon Bistro, another eatery to open at 5021-23 Baltimore. And there’s talk of a garden center being developed on a vacant lot on the southeast corner at 51st & Baltimore. Already, we’re seeing the string of new retail spots in Cedar Park spurring additional development westward, like a block to the north at this multi-unit spot on 51st & Catharine. And we expect, there will only be more news of development in this area in the years to come.

–Lou Mancinelli