JACKSON TWP.: The Board of Trustees voted Tuesday night to allow the construction of a new McDonald's restaurant.
Trustees reviewed a proposed piece of legislation by Dearborn Land Investment requesting the rezoning of two lots in order for construction to begin.
The first request was for a lot located at 3437 Whipple Avenue to be rezoned from B-1 or suburban office and limited business to B-3 commercial business.
The second lot is located at 3431 Whipple and 4053 Fulton Drive. This lot is currently zoned B-2 neighborhood business and would also need to be rezoned to B-3. Each lot will be needed in order to encompass the McDonald's.
The McDonald's is permitted in both B-2 and B-3 zoning, however the B-3 is needed for the drive thru business.
Several residents, including Laurie Wiley and Joseph Salvo voiced their concerns over the proposed legislation.
Residents opposed the restaurant commented on the issues of home values decreasing, the smell of fast food, traffic noise and loud music from the parking lot as issues they were concerned about.
Trustees were also sent 46 signatures from homeowners in the area requesting that the McDonald's construction be rejected.
After careful consideration and discussion, trustees voted to move forward with the rezoning of both lots to B-3, allowing the McDonald's restaurant saying that any new business will create jobs and revenue for the township.
Larsen Architect Firm will be responsible for the construction.
