A Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission vote in favor of recommending a new land use designation could clear the way for a dance hall to operate downtown.

On Sept. 23, the commission voted 5-1 in favor of recommending an amendment to the city's zoning ordinance allowing dance halls to operate in the zoning district encompassing downtown.

James Rios, the restaurateur who opened Centerfield Sports Bar in downtown in Kyle in December 2012, is a managing partner in the dance hall business, which will be called Desperados.

"We want to be able to offer the citizens of Kyle a place where they can have date night" and not have to put themselves at risk by driving to and from Austin, Rios said.

Rios also added that when his sports bar opened, activity in downtown was sparse, and now it is more lively. He said the dance hall will add similar value to a growing downtown district.

The entertainment venue will have a dance floor with music such as Top 40 hits, '80s and country in addition to pool tables. In August, Rios told Community Impact Newspaper he hoped to open the dance hall by late September.

In addition to recommending the zoning ordinance change, the commission requested in the same motion for Kyle City Council to look into the creation of a new city noise ordinance.

Commission Chairman Michael Rubsam, who was the sole opponent of the measure, said he had concerns about a dance hall operating in proximity to City Hall. At 110 W. Center St., Desperados is two doors down from the city facility.

"Mainly [my concern] is having a dance venue so close to the city hall and right on the main street of the town," Rubsam said. "I have nothing against dance halls at all. I just think they should be set apart from every other business."

Rios said his dance hall will be set up to limit noise from seeping out of the venue. He said the building does not share a common wall with Dark Horse Lodge, the restaurant and bar next door, and the wall is 22-inches thick on the west side of the building.

He also said he would hire off-duty officers to stand guard for security purposes.

Kyle City Council will consider the commission's recommendation at an upcoming meeting.