Plans to bring a new hotel to Mineola were advanced by the Mineola Economic Development Corp. last week, with the completion of an incentive package.

But the EDC also learned that plans for a new restaurant location have been shelved.

The Holiday Inn Express Inn and Suites is planned for Debby Lane off US 69 South, near the Best Western.

The EDC recommended to the city council an incentive package that includes the acreage for the facility and $200,000 aid in construction costs.

The developer is Social Networks Group LLC of Dallas.

City Manager Mercy Rushing, who also serves as EDC director, announced that the planned sale of the lot at Commerce and Johnson Streets will not go through.

Logan’s Place, which operates in the first floor of the Beckham Hotel, had made an offer for the lot to build a new restaurant. But Rushing said the deal will not go through, citing inability to staff the restaurant.

Rushing said she has reached out to others who expressed interest in the property.

Two longtime EDC board members are ending their tenures, including Helen Hainline, who has served on the board since its inception in 1996, and Ken Pearce, who has 13 years of service to the EDC board.

Pearce has also served two terms on the city council, a term as mayor and five years on the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The EDC has recommended to the city council that former Mayor Kevin White and former Wood County Economic Development Commission director Gary McKinley be appointed to the board for two-year terms.

The board also approved a budget of $893,377 to recommend to the city council. Some $870,677 is expected in sales tax revenue.

The council plans to take up the EDC recommendations at its Sept. 13 meeting.

(See related photo Page 2A)