A drive-through McDonald’s planned in South Meridian faces opposition from some nearby residents.
The McDonald’s is slated to sit on an acre-sized lot next to the 2-year-old Albertsons supermarket at South Amity and West Eagle roads. It is one of several new and planned businesses in the Firenze Plaza shopping and business center, the only one proposed to have a drive-through, raising questions for residents and city officials about traffic circulation.
Nearby residents emailed City Hall to voice concerns about the impact of the national fast-food chain on neighborhood health, property values, and even the smell of grease.
“I am sure my property value will go down if someone can smell fries every time they step outside,” said Briana Hurst, a homeowner in the adjoining Tuscany neighborhood, in a comment to the Mayor’s Office.
Calling McDonald’s “bottom of the barrel” in terms of fast-food quality and nutrition, another resident, Kellie Elliott, urged the city, “Please, for the love of health, kids, community, reject this!”
To the Planning and Zoning Commission, however, the question is not whether the 4,705-square-foot McDonald’s belongs in the development — because the site’s zoning allows it —but whether a drive-through does.
After a planned public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 17, the commission will take into account how traffic will circulate in and around the McDonald’s, and if there are any potential nuisances with headlights or noise to nearby residents, said Caleb Hood, the city’s deputy director of community development.
“It probably will be a recommendation for approval with some conditions required,” Hood told the Idaho Statesman by phone. Conditions could pertain to the site’s layout, lighting, and landscaping, he said.
About the health concerns, Hood said: “We’ll be reviewing their menu board and its location and speakers, but we won’t be actually looking at the food they’re getting served.”
Darryl Browman, of Browman Development in Walnut Creek, California, will spearhead the McDonald’s development if approved, Hood said.
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