Design Review Board grants preliminary approval to Comeback Shack site plan at 105 Midland Parkway

The Design Review Board on March 27 granted preliminary approval for a proposed Comeback Shack restaurant site at 105 Midland Parkway, subject to standard TRC and permitting conditions including MS4 stormwater permitting, SCDOT access coordination and a tree-care/landscape plan verified with the town arborist.

Planning staff noted that the site plan included tree locations but required a closer look at tree health and grading. The applicant presented existing-street photos, explained the new driveway alignment and said the project has preliminary DOT concurrence for driveway location. The design uses pervious pavement in the parking stalls and proposes ADA connectivity to the public sidewalk; the applicant said they will finalize curb details so there is no ponding.

Board and staff discussed landscape areas, foundation planting and the need to avoid planting trees in stormwater islands that would not survive. Staff requested a coordinated review among applicant, the town arborist and planning staff before final submittal to determine which islands and trees are feasible to plant and identify alternatives where necessary. The board moved for preliminary approval with the understanding the applicant will return for final approval after the arborist and MS4/SCDOT permitting items are resolved and the final landscape plan is provided.

The applicant agreed to additional detail on site islands, employee walkways and protection for the outdoor seating area, and the board asked staff to set a coordination meeting to confirm feasible planting and stormwater solutions before final design.