Germantown City Council approves drive-thru Starbucks amid community safety discussions

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including the approval of a new Starbucks drive-thru and community updates.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding the proposed Starbucks, which is being developed under the smart growth overlay. Alderman expressed concerns about the project’s alignment with smart growth goals but acknowledged the community's desire for a drive-thru Starbucks. Alderman Yulicki voiced his support, highlighting the potential for increased tax revenue and the positive addition to the community. He noted that traffic concerns would be a shared issue with neighboring businesses.

Alderman Sabaccio raised a point about overnight parking issues related to another business, which has reportedly been resolved. He also inquired about sewer connectivity challenges, to which the contractor responded that discussions with public works are ongoing. They are exploring feasible options for sewer connections, with a focus on minimizing disruption.

Following the discussions, the board voted on the Starbucks proposal, which passed unanimously, indicating strong support for the development.

In closing, the Mayor expressed gratitude to various community services, including Parks and Recreation for recent events and the Public Works team for their efforts during recent storms. He also announced upcoming community events, including a lemonade stand day on May 3, where board members will serve lemonade to benefit the Germantown Police Fraternal Association.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of the hard work by city staff and a note on the absence of Vice Mayor Gibson, who was traveling. Overall, the meeting highlighted community engagement and proactive measures in local governance.