Plan commission backs 7 Brew drive‑through, recommends council approve PIP and certified survey map

The Delavan Plan Commission on June 5 recommended that the Common Council approve a planned infill development (PIP) and a related certified survey map (CSM) to allow an in‑vehicle sales/service drive‑through for a 7 Brew franchise at 1738 East Geneva Street.

City planning staff described the application as a PIP for a single‑story, drive‑through beverage shop on a lot created by the proposed CSM. Planning staff said the proposal met base zoning standards, required no zoning flexibilities, and included new landscaping, tree plantings on three street frontages, a screened dumpster enclosure and 20 parking spaces where 11 are required. Staff recommended approval with the conditions listed in the staff report. (Staff presentation and summary: planning staff.)

Applicant Corbin Turlock, a 7 Brew franchisee, told the commission the concept is a drive‑through–only beverage operation serving smoothies, shakes, teas, lemonades and energy drinks. He said the operation uses staff with iPads to take orders in line rather than menu boards and speakers, that the typical store employs between four and 15 employees on a shift and that the company currently operates locations across the region. Civil engineer Eric Dryskowski described the site layout, including two drive‑through lanes with 26‑car stacking capacity on the plan, internal circulation, a covered employee patio, and the use of a regional stormwater pond so no site detention was required.

Commissioners questioned cross‑access and circulation. Planning staff and the applicant confirmed cross‑access to the neighboring Burger King was shown on the GDP and that Freedom Drive is a private drive; commissioners noted that if future traffic increases lead to a median or other changes on Freedom Drive, left‑turn access could be restricted by future roadway changes and that private drive ownership could affect long‑term access. The commission also discussed signage timing; the applicant said building signage would follow later via a separate permit and that a monument sign could be considered in the future.

The commission voted to recommend Common Council approval of the PIP. In a separate motion the commission recommended approval of the CSM with specific conditions: increase line weight to clearly show the lot line, limit access within 70 feet of the Lakeside Boulevard/East Geneva Street intersection, and dedicate additional right‑of‑way at the northeast corner of Lot 1 to accommodate planned ADA sidewalk improvements requested by DOT. Both motions carried on voice votes.

The matter now advances to the Common Council for final decisions on the PIP and recording of the CSM. The applicant and staff said a sign permit will be submitted later and that typical staff conditions in the PIP report must be met before building permits are issued.