The Kenner City Council unanimously approved two lease ordinances for commercial space at 400 Williams Boulevard in Rivertown on Dec. 4.

Planning staff presented case P1525 for a renewal by Rivertown Optical Shop LLC — operated by Dr. Paul Pruett since 2010 — to lease 1,163 square feet at the appraised rate of $8.50 per square foot per year, which the presentation listed as $14,135.50 annually. The planning commission recommended approval. No members of the public spoke during the hearing; the council closed the hearing and voted 7-0 to adopt summary ordinance No. 13,966.

The council also approved summary ordinance No. 13,967 to lease the two rear units vacated by Rivertown Optical. Applicant Janae McCann of Fleur de Luxe LLC told the council she launched Fleur de Luxe in February and said the business recently “went TikTok viral,” prompting the need to expand to a storefront in Rivertown. Planning staff described the units as roughly 720 square feet at the same appraised rate, which equates to $6,120 per year. Mayor remarks and council comments framed the move as a welcome small-business addition to Rivertown. The ordinance passed 7-0.

Both leases relied on an appraisal dated Sept. 29, 2023; planning staff said the city attorney consulted the appraiser and that the appraised rate remained accurate given no major building improvements. The council’s action allows the leases to proceed under the terms presented to the city.

The council’s approvals are final actions from this meeting; the applicant and the city will complete the lease paperwork following council adoption.