Should Westford Allow Drive-Thru Windows At Restaurants?

WESTFORD, MA — Every few years, the question of whether to allow restaurants to have drive-thru window comes to Town Meeting. Last year it came and failed again.

It kicked up interest, especially with an eye to making it easier for restaurants and individuals amid pandemic, but not enough to outweigh concern about litter, traffic and idling cars and pass with a two-thirds majority.

Now, with Town Meeting and more proposals set to come before the town. The Westford's planning board, at the request of the Town Manager and with a nod of endorsement from the economic development committee, is asking for the public's feedback in the form of a survey.

The town wants to know what residents want and what their concerns are when it comes to drive-thru restaurants.

The ban arose in the 1990s and remained, despite attempts to allow drive-thrus at restaurants in 1998 and again in 2012 and 2020.

Proponents say businesses should be allowed to choose how they do business, and say it's a helpful tool for mothers with children, or people with mobility issues. Opponents worry that it will encourage littering along the side of the highway, back up traffic with long lines of cars turning into fast food restaurants, or promote big businesses in town.

Last year, amid pandemic, proponents argued it was a safer option - for both the workers and the customers - than going into the restaurants. Opponents said curbside pickup was sufficient.

Here's how to take the survey online