Council approves multiple rezoning and facade requests, adopts PUD for State Highway 76 site; Taco Bell facade deviation cleared

The Newcastle City Council on July 14 approved a package of planning and zoning items recommended by the planning commission, including a facade deviation for a proposed Taco Bell, several rezoning petitions and a planned unit development (PUD) for a property at State Highway 76 and Southwest 16th Street.

Planning staff planner Chenay Greenlee briefed the council on the Taco Bell request and explained the applicants sought a deviation from the city’s masonry/facade requirement in New Castle Code of Ordinances, chapter 154, section 154.101. Greenlee said planning staff and the planning commission recommended approval; the commission’s recommendation passed 5–0. Greenlee described the building as a “kitchen‑X” prototype that features substantial metal and glass on some elevations and noted the property owner coordinated the request through standard site‑plan review.

Caitlin Turner, the applicant’s representative on the PUD proposal for the State Highway 76 site, told the council the…