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Planning commissioners split after hours of testimony on Dutch Bros. drive‑through at Ogden and Saratoga
Summary
After extensive public testimony and staff presentation, the planning commission declined to recommend approval of a multi‑entitlement proposal for 1205–1219 Ogden Avenue that would allow a two‑lane Dutch Bros. drive‑through, citing unresolved traffic and school safety concerns; the case moves to village council without a recommendation.
The Downers Grove Planning & Zoning Commission on July 6 declined to recommend approval of a petition that would create a planned unit development, vacate a public alley, subdivide property and allow a two‑lane Dutch Bros. drive‑through at 1205 and 1219 Ogden Avenue. Staff recommended approval, but commissioners were split after nearly three hours of testimony and questioning focused on traffic, pedestrian safety and school pickup/drop‑off periods.
Michael Gatto, representing ExCyte Real Estate (the developer), described a phased redevelopment: demolish two existing structures, build a Dutch Bros. drive‑through at the corner of Ogden and Saratoga in phase 1 and a multi‑tenant retail building on the western portion in phase 2. "We are proposing to raise the 2 structures that are currently on the site, and build 2 new structures on the site, a Dutch Bros drive through, and then a multi tenant retail building to the west," Gatto said.
The petitioner’s traffic consultant (Kimley Horn) presented a traffic study and explained mitigation measures including a right‑in/right‑out on Ogden Avenue, on‑site stacking, curb modifications and an operational plan for the grand opening that would increase on‑site stacking from about 20 to 40 cars and deploy third‑party traffic managers. "On day 1, it'll be full hands on deck, making sure that there are no cars stacked up," the consultant said.
Dutch Bros. operations staff described staffing and line‑management strategies: "We have 4 to 5 what we call line busters, and they are out in the line taking the orders before they get to the window," a company representative said, and noted use of "drink runners" and third‑party traffic control during peak opening periods.
More than a dozen nearby residents testified against the project, warning that even with on‑site stacking a high‑volume drive‑through would spill into Saratoga and Ogden during school pickup/drop‑off and create safety risks for pedestrians, seniors and school buses. Dentist and neighbor Dr. Don Provenzale said, "I cannot envision any way that we're not gonna have gridlock," and other residents described petitions and more than 90 written comments in opposition.
Staff planner Pardon Moran summarized the proposal and said staff finds the PUD and special‑use criteria met, describing proposed conditions including an 8‑foot privacy fence along the south lot line, cross‑access easements, 31 on‑site parking spaces and a proposed 5‑foot setback deviation along Linscott Avenue.
Commission discussion ranged from strong support for careful mitigation to outright concern about health, safety and welfare during school arrival and dismissal periods. Some commissioners said the mitigation plan and DOT review reduced their concerns; others said the plan did not sufficiently guarantee safety during peak school times.
A motion to recommend approval subject to staff conditions failed on a roll call. The commission did not reach a majority in favor, so the petition will proceed to the village council without a formal recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Next steps: the village council will schedule a public hearing and take final action. Commissioners asked staff to provide the council with further evaluation of limiting or restricting Saratoga access during school peak hours as appropriate.
