There will be a drive-thru at a new fast-food restaurant in Two Rivers.
The City Council voted 8-1 to approve the drive-thru for a Taco Bell on Washington Street where the Family Video used to be.
City Manager Greg Buckley discussed some tweaks made during plan commissions meetings, including that there could be changes to a “right turn only” on to Washington Street in the future, if the Chief of Police and plan commission see fit.
Some community members spoke during a public hearing yesterday (February 3rd) against the location of the Taco Bell.
Two sisters who own a business stated, “If this is approved, I feel like it could attract more chains. And is that the direction you want to go.”
Another business owner said, “It’s not, not having chains. It’s about what is the appeal, what is the appearance. You know the word drive-through is just that, it’s a drive-through. If your drive-through is on Main Street, are you trying to be a drive-through city, or are you trying to be the destination.”
Council members, including Shannon Derby, explained that they understand the concerns of the local businesses, however:
“I do think that it’s good for a town to have more options, more job opportunities,” she explained. “And you know having some more of those options but having the local sit-down restaurants in those established areas will be really nice to make our town better all around. It takes a little bit of everything, I think.”
Councilmember Adam Wachowski also noted that the Taco Bell is going on what is a major Wisconsin highway.
According to city documents, the developer says the location is far superior to any other choice to attract a new generation of residents to visit the downtown area.
The city had multiple meetings about the Conditional Use Permit before it was approved last night.
