Neighbors, faith group object as Popeyes plans at Dempster and Dodge draw public scrutiny

Neighbors, faith leaders and local business supporters urged the council on Aug. 25 to require a more transparent review for a proposed Popeyes restaurant at Dempster and Dodge, raising concerns about traffic, parking and impacts on nearby institutions.

Why it matters: Larry Akey, representing Heartwood Center for Body, Mind, Spirit, thanked city staff “for rescinding the type 1 certificate for Popeye's as a full service sit down restaurant,” and said neighbors want the application routed through the special‑use review process rather than handled administratively. Akey said the proposal “doesn't comply with existing plans, particularly the Thrive Initiative,” and cited traffic, parking and effects on local businesses as reasons the council should reject the application.

Speakers’ concerns: Tricia Connolly said community members learned about the proposal primarily through press reports and the city manager’s report and criticized limited public postings. She told the council she FOIAed documents and was concerned by how the application was administratively recategorized. Other speakers, including Lisa Applegate and David Elzey, described Heartwood’s community services and said the neighborhood had experienced positive change since Heartwood moved to the area.

Process and next steps: Multiple speakers asked that the developer submit to the special‑use process and for fuller public notification. No formal land‑use decision was taken by the council at the Aug. 25 meeting; speakers indicated the issue will proceed through the Land Use Commission and the Planning & Development channels, with additional public hearings anticipated.