Council approves Long Creek Crossing amendment and Freddy’s site plan after public hearing

The Sunnyvale Town Council on Monday approved a concept plan amendment to the Long Creek Crossing master planned development (MPD) and, in a companion action, approved a site plan for a 3,000-square-foot Freddy’s Hamburgers with a single-lane drive-through on Lot 2R at the southeast corner of South Collins Road and U.S. Highway 80.

Planning staff described Lot 2R as the last undeveloped parcel in the MPD adopted in 2017. The applicant requested the concept plan amendment because the original MPD concept had shown a gasoline/convenience use on lot 2; the proposed use is a restaurant with a drive-through. Director of Planning and Development Services Surupa (staff) told council that staff considered the proposed use consistent with the MPD’s intent because Freddy’s is a sit-down restaurant with more seating than typical quick-service outlets.

The council opened a public hearing. Several residents from adjacent neighborhoods told the council they oppose adding another drive-through at the corner, citing traffic congestion on South Collins Road and U.S. 80, safety concerns and the development’s departure from what they said was promised when the MPD was originally approved. Gene Swank, a nearby resident, said the MPD had “turned into a fast-food row” and urged council to deny the drive-through. Other speakers asked for traffic studies, questioned the cumulative effect of multiple drive-throughs, and urged the council to pursue healthier dining options for that lot.

The applicant, represented by Victoria Morris of Jackson Walker on behalf of Provident Realty Advisors, presented signed support from more than 120 Sunnyvale residents and described market research showing Freddy’s would be viable. Joe DePinto, part of the local Freddy’s franchise group, said sit-down dining often represents roughly half of Freddy’s mix and described the chain’s community engagement commitments.

Staff noted a traffic impact analysis had been updated during prior applications (including a Taco Bell application) and that TxDOT has reviewed the corridor. Staff said TxDOT would not permit a new traffic signal at the primary driveway because it would be too close to the existing signal; the town is pursuing transfer of South Collins Road from TxDOT control, which could change that in the future.

Councilmembers debated the tradeoffs. Several members said they had visited other Freddy’s locations and found them well maintained; others said the site is small and options are limited. Council voted to approve the concept plan amendment and the site plan. The motions were made by Councilmember Allen and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Finch. The concept plan amendment (first reading/MPD amendment) passed 5-1; the site plan vote mirrored that outcome.

Key site plan details supplied to council: the building would be about 3,000 square feet, single story; interior seating capacity is 74 with 16 outdoor patio seats; the plan proposes 31 parking spaces and a single-lane drive-through with stacking room for 10 cars; the developer proposes a 30-foot pylon sign and multiple wall signs; landscaping covers roughly 24% of the site area and includes a 30-foot buffer along South Collins Road. Planning and Zoning recommended approval (MPD amendment: 5-2?; site plan: 6-1) prior to council review.

Votes: The concept plan amendment and site plan approvals were supported by Dr. Woodrow, Councilmember Allen, Mayor Pro Tem Finch, Councilmember Kevin Clark and Mayor Sajid George; Councilmember Danny voted no. Councilmember Eldridge was absent.

Council asked staff to continue coordinating with TxDOT on a transfer of South Collins Road and to return with any additional traffic or signalation options if the road transfer occurs.