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Council committee approves narrow exception to permit some downtown drive‑thrus; opponents say it risks urban character
Summary
The Neighborhoods Committee approved an amendment allowing drive‑thrus in limited accessory parking lots for pre‑2008 multiuse buildings by exception. Downtown Investment Authority and Ameris Bank backed the narrow language; several council members warned it could open a wider pattern of suburban development in the urban core.
The Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee on March 17 voted 6–1 to approve legislation (Ordinance 20250074) that creates a narrow exception permitting certain drive‑through facilities in accessory parking lots that serve multi‑use buildings that existed before February 2008.
Supporters said the change is limited and meant to help lease vacant ground‑floor retail in older downtown office buildings. "It is a very narrow exception. It is only an accessory parking lot that is accompanying a multi use building that existed in 02/2008 or earlier," Laurie Boyer, CEO of the Downtown Investment Authority, told the committee.
Why it matters: downtown officials said the exception is targeted at specific redevelopment needs — for instance, to allow a bank tenant to operate a drive‑through lane within an…
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