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Commission approves Popeyes drive‑through similar‑use request for Main Street parcel
Summary
The Plan Commission approved a similar‑use request allowing a Popeyes drive‑through on Main Street, noting required buffering and ACB review of landscaping and signage; commissioners were split on whether a drive‑through fits long‑term Main Street goals.
Menomonee Falls — The Plan Commission recommended approval of a similar‑use request that would allow a drive‑through restaurant (Popeyes) on a vacant Main Street parcel adjacent to existing restaurants.
Planner Amy Bennett explained the site is within the Main Street PDO2 district, where a restaurant is a permitted use but a drive‑through is not; the applicant sought a similar‑use determination to authorize the drive‑through. Bennett said the ACB reviewed the proposal and recommended approval, and that site plan details including elevation, landscaping and signage would return to ACB for final review.
Commissioners debated whether a drive‑through aligns with the village’s redevelopment goals for Main Street. One commissioner said they could not support another drive‑through in that location because the PDO aims for a different character. Other commissioners questioned whether a national chain could draw more customers to the corridor; discussion also covered signage, the potential for an informational freeway sign, and how landscaping can mitigate headlight glare into nearby residences.
Staff confirmed the applicant meets buffer requirements but ACB asked the applicant to “beef up” landscaping between the drive‑through and neighboring properties; commissioners discussed fencing but noted that specific fence requirements are an ACB/site‑plan matter. A motion to approve the similar‑use request carried by voice vote with a majority in favor and at least one dissent; the transcript does not list a roll‑call of member votes by name.
The applicant will return to the ACB for final landscaping and signage review before permits are issued.
