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Taneytown planning commission approves Taco Bell concept plan amid neighborhood traffic and safety concerns
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a concept site plan for a Taco Bell at 529 E. Palmer St. after hearing detailed presentations and lengthy public comment about cut‑through traffic, pedestrian safety, hours and buffering. Commissioners asked for more detailed preliminary plans before final approval.
The Taneytown Planning Commission approved concept site plan approval for a Taco Bell proposed at 529 East Palmer Street after presentation by the applicant and extended public comment.
The Taco Bell representative and Boller Engineering described revised geometry and signage intended to prevent northbound cut‑through traffic through the Creekside neighborhood and said they consulted with a traffic engineer and the fire marshal to preserve emergency access. "We want to be a good neighbor," the Taco Bell representative said, noting the design aims to eliminate certain right‑out movements while preserving site access.
Residents urged the commission to press for stronger mitigations. "We are not opposed to Taco Bell — we just want further steps to protect the quality of life," said Cassie Lewis, a Creekside resident, who raised concerns about pedestrian safety, sidewalk gaps and whether the traffic study accounted for large future residential developments that will add trips. Becky Mendenhall, another Creekside resident, said the proposed 7 a.m.–4 a.m. operating window (with dining room closed at midnight) is insufficient near homes: "I don't think that 7AM to 4AM is much of an improvement." Eddie Andrews and other residents also asked about speed bumps, cameras and deliveries scheduled during off hours.
Commissioners pressed the applicant for details about turning radii, buffering and lighting plans and asked for a more complete landscape and lighting package at the preliminary stage. One commissioner noted the traffic study did not analyze Amicus Street in detail, and others requested clearer information about employee parking counts and any agreements with adjacent lots to handle overflow.
After the discussion commissioners voted to approve concept site plan authorization, with the understanding that staff and the applicant will address outstanding items — including a detailed landscape/buffer plan, a lighting study and clarifications on circulation and deliveries — before any preliminary or final approvals.
The decision allows the applicant to prepare the preliminary package; the commission discussed but did not finalize whether, under code, the application could move from concept straight to final if the packet is complete. The commission also encouraged continued dialogue between the developer, Taco Bell and Creekside residents.
The commission's motion to approve carried by voice vote.
