Commissioners flag traffic and drive‑through concerns as redevelopment proceeds downtown

Planning commissioners raised traffic and drive‑through concerns at the July 28 Monroe Planning Commission meeting, urging staff to ensure access and queuing plans will not block nearby intersections if fast‑food drive‑throughs or other high‑intensity uses redevelop downtown parcels.

Commissioner Bob recalled traffic problems in other cities after an In‑N‑Out and said drive‑through queuing can back up to the street and require mitigation. "They will completely block traffic," he said, describing past experiences where long vehicle queues required lane changes and police traffic control.

Staff noted that engineering and public‑works review are part of the development process and that some mitigation is already under review. Planning staff said an access point to the Red Robin site would need to be moved east of the intersection in response to engineering concerns; staff also said Wendy’s and other proposals have triggered traffic review. Planning staff emphasized that public works may require traffic studies or access changes depending on the application and that vesting rules mean future code changes may not apply retroactively to an existing application.

Commissioners also commented on recent local traffic‑calming measures. Several commissioners described the new speed‑calming humps on Ninth and other streets as effective at slowing vehicles and said they had received generally positive public feedback, especially where children walk to school. Commissioner Mary called them a safety improvement for students.

No formal actions were taken; commissioners asked staff to coordinate with Public Works on traffic‑impact evaluations for prospective redevelopments and to consider whether code adjustments or design standards should be recommended to Council to avoid repetitive impacts from high‑queue businesses.