In a recent government meeting, plans for a new Taco Bell restaurant featuring dual drive-thru lanes were discussed, alongside a proposal for auto sales at an existing auto repair shop.

The Taco Bell, proposed to be located on Winthrop Street, will span 2,240 square feet and include 40 seats. The design incorporates two drive-thru lanes—one traditional and one for mobile pickups—reflecting a shift in consumer behavior post-pandemic. The developers emphasized that the drive-thru design allows for efficient queuing, accommodating up to 12 vehicles, with an additional 10 parking spaces on-site.

Concerns were raised regarding the proximity of the restaurant to nearby residential areas, with the closest home being over 200 feet away. The developers assured that extensive landscaping would be implemented to mitigate any potential noise and visual disturbances. They also outlined plans for stormwater management, including deep sump catch basins and an underground infiltration system to treat runoff effectively.

The board members engaged in a thorough discussion about traffic implications, with some expressing skepticism about the potential increase in congestion at the nearby intersection. However, traffic studies indicated minimal impact, with delays expected to be less than three seconds.

In a separate proposal, the board reviewed plans for Aziz Auto Tires and Auto Repair to add auto sales to their existing operations at 94 Fremont Street. The site, which has been a commercial auto garage since 1940, will undergo improvements including paving the parking area and delineating spaces for customer and display vehicles. The owner has committed to maintaining a clean and visually appealing site, with a focus on preventing any appearance of a junkyard.

Both proposals received conditional approvals, with stipulations for landscaping and traffic management to ensure community standards are upheld. The Taco Bell project is expected to create new job opportunities and enhance local business, while the auto sales addition aims to complement the existing repair services without disrupting the neighborhood's character.