Mixed Feelings Surround Snow Cone Stand Coming To The Plaza District

A plan to serve snow cones has some business owners in the Plaza district heated.

Sasquatch Shaved Ice will be housed in a shipping container that will sit in front of the Stanley Garage on NW 16th and Blackwelder in the Plaza District.

“It’s meant to be a positive opportunity for the kids, to get employment, to get work training,” said Whitley O’Connor, who is starting the non-profit business.

O’Connor pledges to match what the young employees make toward higher education.  He thinks the employees will be around 15 and 16 years old.

The Urban Design Commission approved the 8’ by 13’ container, but some in the Plaza district feel it isn’t a good fit.

“That may change the type of investments that are being made down here and the quality of those investments,” said Tony Morton, who spoke out against the plan.

Morton is now looking into appealing the Urban Design Commissions decisions.

O’Connor says the snow cone store will remain open for six months. After that time, he hopes local artists or other entrepreneurs will use the location. He says Sasquatch Shaved Ice will open in July.