Commission approves conversion of former McDonald’s on Easton Avenue to Popeyes with minimal footprint change

The Franklin Township Historic Preservation Advisory Commission voted to approve plans to convert the former McDonald’s at the Easton Avenue plaza into a Popeyes restaurant, endorsing the applicant’s promise to retain the existing building footprint while modernizing the façade and back‑of‑house areas.

Robert Bermoldi, the project architect, told the commission the proposal keeps the ‘same footprint’ and removes only an exterior cooler and deteriorated fencing. He said his team would “basically strip everything down to the structure inside” and add a new storefront, refreshed glazing and a parapet raised roughly 2 feet 6 inches to 2 feet 8 inches so the façade reads as a refreshed, reinforced commercial building. Bermoldi also described a rebuilt trash corral and a new, low‑maintenance composite finish on the drive‑through elements.

Commissioners and nearby property owner Jonathan Sturberg spoke in favor of reusing the existing building rather than demolishing it. Sturberg, who described himself as the plaza owner for 32 years, said he intentionally selected a tenant who would reuse the structure and thanked the applicant for that approach.

During the public comment period, neighbors noted the site’s existing late‑night activity and asked about operating hours and signage. A representative said the new tenant anticipates keeping later evening service similar to nearby businesses and does not plan new free‑standing signage beyond the tenant signs allowed by code.

After discussion the commission moved to approve the application “as applied.” The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

What happens next: The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the building changes described to the commission; the applicant or owner will follow up with any required building permits and planning‑board filings for site plan or utility work.