City Manager Joseph Scherer reported to Roanoke Rapids council Tuesday night Jersey Mike’s plans to open next Wednesday.

“The police department will have officers in the area as traffic will probably be congested that day,” he said in his report to the panel.

The sandwich store is one of four businesses slated to occupy a small shopping center on Premier Boulevard between Halifax Visitors Center and the former Lone Star Steakhouse.

Great Clips and Mattress Warehouse will also locate in the shopping center. The fourth business, which has been said to be a restaurant, has not been named.

According to the plans, Mattress Warehouse will occupy 5,000 square feet while the unnamed restaurant will occupy 2,100 square feet. Jersey Mike’s and Great Clips will make up the remaining square footage at 1,300 and 1,200 respectively.

Scherer also said in his report the fire department received a letter from the Office of the State Fire Marshal confirming it met the requirements for being a certified fire department.

Rezoning request

In another matter Tuesday, council rejected a rezoning request submitted by Leonard Love to rezone three parcels of property on Mullen Drive from R-6 residential to B-4 commercial.

Love, who is an engine builder, planned to expand his business.

The vote to turn down rezoning request was passed on a 2-1 measure, with Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough absent. Wayne Smith and Ernest Bobbitt voted for turning down the request and Carl Ferebee voted against the measure.