P&Z Approves a McDonald's in Stepney

Amid a legal fight to uphold the Planning & Zoning Commission's last approval of a McDonald's restaurant and drive-through window at 579 Main Street, Real Time Investments, LLC, decided to address contested boundary issues in a second application. On Thursday night, the commission approved the fast food restaurant with conditions for a second time.

Applications for a zone change and a special permit both passed by a vote of 4 to 1, with Commissioner Karen Martin the sole dissenter.

Prior to the votes, Commission Chairman Patrick O'Hara expressed his opinion that the plan is consistent with the town Plan of Conservation & Development calling for commercial development along the Route 25 corridor.

"There has been no opposition of a professional nature regarding traffic and Real Estate values," O'Hara said, adding a traffic study by Frederick P. Clark Associates — an expert hired by the applicant — found traffic will not exceed allowable limits.

The Inland Wetlands Commission also approved an application and the Zoning Board of Appeals granted a waiver allowing a drive up window, O'Hara said.

Martin had numerous criticisms of the proposal, including the lighting plan. She also strongly opposed having golden arches on the building.

Here are links to past stories on the proposal:

McDonald's Eyes Main Street Location

A Burger War is Waged on Main Street

Will McDonald's Go Colonial?

Updated: McDonald's presents redesigned architectural plan

Ba Da Buh Buh ... Wait a Minute!

McDonald's Plans for New Town Restaurant Still Mired in Court

McDonald's Pursues Main Street Restaurant on Two Fronts

Golden Arches are Coming to Main St.