A Port Arthur businessman is seeking assistance from the Port Arthur Economic Development Corp. in developing a shopping center on Jimmy Johnson Boulevard in Port Arthur.

Joe Aref wrote in a letter he is seeking assistance from the city to construct the development. It is “also a matter of the heart as I am a long-time resident and contributor to the city of Port Arthur and long to see the area continue to thrive and grow.”

Likewise, the Board of Directors of the PAEDC will consider Aref’s letter of intent from Joe’s Shopping Plaza at their regular meeting at 6 p.m. Monday at 501 Procter St., Port Arthur.

Aref stated in the letter he and his family have been a part of the community all of their lives and they have brought two Walgreen Pharmacies, Advanced Auto Parts, Race Track gas station and convenience store, Sam’s Seafood Restaurant, Domino’s Pizza, Mike’s Furniture and Fuel Depot gas station and convenience store.

He added that he is the only landlord of a convenience store on the west side of Port Arthur.

He started developing the property on Jimmy Johnson and he has discussed developing it with major franchises and bring such businesses to Port Arthur.

The directors will also consider a letter of intent from Scot Nguyen with Dustin Gulf Seafood to submit an application for an economic development grant.

The company has been operating since 2005 as a shrimp wholesaler. Since then they have been purchasing shrimp from vessels and wholesaling to distributors and local seafood stores.

“Dustin Seafood is expanding our existing business by storing additional inventory of shrimp in freezer units,” it read. “The expansion will greatly benefit Port Arthur, Texas because almost all of the shrimpers in the Golden Triangle are residents in Port Arthur.”

The total project cost is $795,000. The majority of the amount, $500,000, would be used for getting equipment. The company would use $200,000 to buy forklifts, an electric jack and security system.

AJ Entertainment, which owns Reel Cajun Restaurant on Twin City Highway and Jimmy Johnson Boulevard, is modifying its agreement with the PAEDC.

The agreement was entered into Feb. 15, 2017 through Feb. 15, 2018.

AJ Entertainment must complete the infrastructure improvements and receive certificate of occupancy for each space within 12 months from the date the agreement is executed. PAEDC will grant $105,000 to AJ Entertainment for the purpose of infrastructure improvements to the building.

The board will consider the terms and conditions of an economic incentive agreement with Standard Alloys Engineered Services — a castings, machine parts and repair services business, according to the company website.

The company plans to purchase 35 acres in the Spur 93 Business Park to consolidate operations in one central location between its Vidor shop and Port Arthur shop.

Another agreement up for consideration is the sale of land at the Highway 73 Business Park to KLV Ventures.

KLV Ventures is a transportation service, according to its website. The board of directors previously approved an economic incentive agreement for three tractor-trailers. This agreement is to sell three acres of land on Highway 73 for $197,000.

Lastly, there will be a presentation on the Port Arthur Community Meeting and Information Forum to learn more about Valero’s new proposed coker project and expansion. The forum will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center at Lamar State College Port Arthur, 1800 Lakeshore Drive.

Food and refreshments will be served. For more information call 409-985-1000.