The Seabrook City Council voted unanimously Oct. 7 to extend a supplemental agreement with Morgan Southwest Land Company and Driver and Rescue LLC that allows the continued use of a structured tent and trailer restrooms at the property known as the yard at Barge 295, 2613 And A Half NASA Parkway, while the business completes plans for a permanent structure.

Council members said the extension responds to hurricane damage at the site and the business’s need to remain operational while it finalizes funding and construction documents. Planning materials submitted by the lessee set a timetable of finalizing permitting and funding in the fourth quarter of 2025 and beginning and completing construction in the first quarter of 2026.

The extension approved by council includes a requirement that the current tent be removed by the end of 2026. City staff and the applicant also confirmed there is an agreement with the tent installer that the structure can be taken down within 48 hours if a named storm threatens the area. During the presentation, a Driver and Rescue LLC representative, Pat, described the barge venue’s economic contributions and community involvement and urged the council to allow the temporary arrangement while the permanent work proceeds.

Council discussion focused on two recurring points: the applicant’s need for time to finish permanent repairs, and the city’s concern about creating a precedent for structured tents in other commercial yards. Multiple council members asked for clear milestone dates and periodic updates from the lessee to avoid repeated informal extensions. One council member noted the tent functions as a substantial noise abatement compared with prior arrangements; another emphasized the need for enforceable end dates.

Staff and the presenter provided these schedule clarifications during the meeting: work with city staff to address permitting in Q4 2025; finalize the bid process and funding in Q4 2025; award contracts and begin construction in Q1 2026; and complete improvements in Q1 2026. The presenter said contractors estimate that actual construction of the permanent covering could take two to three weeks once permits are issued. The presenter also stated that roughly 60% of event participants have been from outside Seabrook, a point they cited as evidence of the venue’s local economic impact.

The council’s motion to extend the supplemental agreement was made by Council member Hammond and seconded by Council member Sessom. The motion passed with no recorded objections.

Council members said staff should receive regular progress updates from the lessee and that any future requests from other businesses seeking similar temporary structures would be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis. The council also indicated it will review related issues such as restroom facilities later in the agenda.

Notes: The presentation and the council’s motion referenced the Seabrook Comprehensive Master Plan 2030 as context for the property’s mixed‑use lakefront designation. No financial subsidies or new city funds were authorized as part of the extension; the action is limited to extending the supplemental lease agreement and setting a removal expectation for the temporary tent.