Planning commission approves Wendy’s final plan for site at Gardner Road and 180th with median, no‑u‑turn enforcement

The City of Gardner Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval, 6–0, of a final development plan for a 2,144‑square‑foot Wendy’s restaurant at the northwest corner of Gardner Road and 180th Street.

Why it matters: Commissioners examined access and circulation details after the governing body added conditions at a prior meeting. The project includes a drive‑through and a shared monument sign; staff said the final plan meets applicable code standards and land‑use criteria.

Staff presentation and conditions Staff said the final plan was generally consistent with the approved preliminary plan and that utilities are available to the site. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions including compliance with the rezoning and preliminary development plan approved by the governing body, lighting standards (Land Development Code section 17.08.0.5 as cited by staff), monument sign permitting and compliance with the Gardner Municipal Code Title 14 for floodplain and stormwater management.

Commission questions and clarifications Commissioners focused on access at the proposed additional entrance on 180th Street (locust/Locust Street in materials). Staff and the public works director, identified as Kellen, said any median would be constructed to city standard specifications and the city engineer had raised concerns earlier. The governing body had required that the median be placed and that a no‑U‑turn sign be installed to reduce unsafe turning around the median; police participation in the council discussion was noted as part of enforcement conversations.

Outcome Commissioner Combs moved to approve the final development plan with the staff conditions; Commissioner Cooper seconded. The motion carried 6–0. Staff emphasized that the applicant must reflect governing‑body conditions on public improvement plans and construction documents before building permits are issued.