Planning commission backs drive-through at 1009 Woodlawn; council to consider special-use permit

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a special-use permit for a drive-through quick-service restaurant at 1009 Woodlawn Road, and the City Council placed the item on the regular agenda for final consideration.

The proposal covers a redevelopment of the former car-wash site at the southeast corner of Route 66 and Woodlawn. Mr. Waddell, who presented the item to the council, said the applicant has met planning requirements and that the commission approved the request unanimously. “It’s gonna be the Taco Bell,” Waddell said when asked what business intends to occupy the site. He told the council the project has been discussed since 2019 and that the current intention is to complete construction “by the end of the year,” though he said he would withhold full enthusiasm until work actually begins.

The nut graf: the special-use permit request would allow a drive-through facility at a location that previously hosted a car wash; the planning commission’s unanimous approval moves the decision to the council, which must grant the permit and any related zoning exceptions.

Council members asked for schedule clarity and public reaction. One alderman asked about the timeline; Waddell replied the developer’s stated goal is completion by year end but emphasized he would be more confident “when I see a shovel in the ground.” The council placed the item on the regular agenda for a future meeting, where the council will review the planning record and take final action.

Background and next steps: the planning commission reviewed the request at its May 29 meeting and recommended approval. The council packet included the commission’s materials, and the council’s placement of the item on its regular agenda signals that a final vote will be scheduled. No final permit vote was recorded in the transcript excerpt provided.