Board approves revised plan for Starbucks at Exeter Village amid pedestrian and queuing concerns

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen on April 14 approved a revised final plan to add a roughly 2,500-square-foot Starbucks with a drive-through at Exeter Village Shopping Center (2055 Exeter Road), while members pressed the applicant to address pedestrian and queuing safety and existing sewer tie-in challenges.

Director of Planning and Development Eric Ross presented the plan and said the proposal aligns with the Germantown Central Business District Smart Growth Plan and the city's economic development objectives. "The proposal in front of you tonight does align with the Germantown Central Business District Smart Growth Plan," Ross said, noting recent façade and landscaping improvements to the center and that the outparcel will be developed under the smart code.

The Planning Commission reviewed the application on Feb. 4 and the Design Review Commission recommended façade materials and canopy details. The applicant requested a parking reduction under the shopping-center regulations to accommodate the outparcel.

Alderman Salvatore Salvaggio, who had voted against the project at the Planning Commission, told the board he had continuing concerns about pedestrian access from adjacent retailers and a nearby MATA bus stop, and about the potential for drive-through queues to extend into ingress points on Exeter Road. "If pedestrian traffic becomes a hazard on Exeter, will you and your team be willing to invest and partner in a solution to create a mid block walk crosswalk to that area?" Salvaggio asked developer Adam Lightman.

Lightman said the team had added on-site pedestrian connectivity and would install a raised pedestrian crossing at a south entrance into the property and signage modeled on other local drive-through sites. He said off-site mid-block crossings on Exeter would require coordination with the city and additional study: "I don't think that's anything we've had a chance to discuss with anyone at the city at this time," Lightman said, but pledged to engage if safety problems appear after opening.

Board members also pressed the developer on drive-thru stacking. Starbucks' internal queuing estimates were presented; the developer said site adjustments and signage would be used to reduce the chance that vehicles would back onto Exeter. "We will definitely stay committed to ... reduce the risks that you're speaking of," Lightman said.

Public-works constraints were also discussed. Lightman told the board the northern sewer tie-in would be costly because the existing sewer is about 20 feet deep; the team is exploring tie-ins to the west or connections to nearby commercial lines (Piccadilly or Firestone).

Alderman Hicks moved to approve the revised final plan; Alderman Salvaggio made the motion and Alderman Hicks seconded. The clerk called the roll: Hicks, Yulicki, Salvaggio and Sanders voted yes. The motion carried.

The developer said he will return with signage applications and final construction plans and that the city will confirm any raised-crosswalk design with the fire marshal before construction sign-off. The board asked staff to monitor pedestrian and queuing impacts after construction and to coordinate with Public Works and Police on any required safety remedies.

The vote concluded the item's review on April 14; construction timing and final plan sign-off remain subject to the city's permit process.