Politics & Government

Woodlands Residents Wary of a Proposed McDonald's in their Neighborhood

McDonald's Corporation plans to hold a community meeting in early October to explain its plans to build a drive-thru establishment in an old bank and insurance building at Oak Grove Road and Citrus Circle.

Citing concerns about childhood obesity and maintaining the quality of their quiet family-friendly neighborhood, some Woodlands residents have said they are not wild about the the idea of becoming home to a new McDonald's fast-food restaurants.

"Certainly we have enough fast food restaurants across the street in the Nob Hill plaza, so there is no need for another such business," wrote Lorraine Rose-Lerman, a resident wrote in an email to the Woodlands Association website

She noted that the shopping center already has a Carl's Jr. and that "fast food restaurants in general are not a good thing for the health of America, contributing to the obesity epidemic we are in the midst of. This establishment would not be one that would make would make a positive contribution to the health of our city."

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McDonald's Corporation is looking to convert a long-vacant 1,800-square-foot, brick-faced bank and insurance building that sits at the corner of Oak Grove Road and Citrus Circle. The new restaurant would be a 3,588-square-foot drive-through restaurant. McDonald's in late July submitted an application for a zoning amendment, a design review and a tree removal permit. 

The city has commissioned a study to look at if and how the new restaurant, especially with the drive-thru would affect traffic flows and traffic safety in the area. The study should be completed next week (the cost of the independent plus staff time will be billed to McDonald's.)

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With the traffic study completed, McDonald's plans to hold a community meeting in the neighborhood in early October to discuss the project, answer questions and near residents' concerns.

The application is expected to go to the Planning Commission in late October and then on to the Design Review Commission, city staff say. 

While the Woodlands Association board of directors has not taken a formal position on the proposal, they are compiling a list of concerns, including the appropriateness of another fast-food establishment at the entrance of our neighborhood, the impact of additional traffic at an already very busy intersection, and the restaurant's hours of operation. 

The location also concerned Rose-Lerman. "The location in question is the first establishment you see when you enter our community on Citrus Avenue. Having a McDonalds fast food restaurant is not the image we should present of our neighborhood."

The Woodlands Association website describes the neighborhood,  "as one of the more desirable communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. The neighborhoods within the Woodlands are very welcoming and even convivial."

Four-year resident Stephen Lee said it's not surprising that McDonald's would see a strong youth-oriented market for its Big Macs, fries, and chicken nuggets. He notes that the location is close to Valle Verde Elementary and the Woodlands Swim Club and down Oak Grove Road from Foothill Middle School and Northgate High. But with  Carls Jr. across the street and Taco Bell in Encina Grande plaza, he asks: "Do we need yet another artery-clogging fast food establishment blighting our city?"

 

 


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