Hearing examiner approves Chick‑fil‑A plat and two variances at Southern Plaza

The hearing examiner recommended approval of a plat and granted two variances on June 11 to allow a Chick‑fil‑A to be built at Southern Plaza, a long‑standing shopping center on the city’s south side.

Attorney Brian Tuohy, representing the owner and Chick‑fil‑A, described a 1.36‑acre infill lot and said the site plan keeps the drive‑through queue behind the curb line and minimizes pedestrian conflicts. He told the examiner the state (INDOT) controls the East Street frontage and will not permit a sidewalk there, supporting the requested sidewalk variance. Tuohy said the proposal will create about 100 permanent jobs and bring several million dollars in private investment to the center.

Neighborhood endorsement was strong: Northwest Perry Neighborhood Association leader Thomas Lorenz testified the association unanimously supported the project, calling it “the shot in the arm that Southern Plaza needs.” (Thomas Lorenz)

Staff recommended approval of the plat and the sidewalk variance but recommended denial of the request to allow 1.5 stacking spaces in front of the building. The hearing examiner disagreed with staff on the stacking issue, citing the site-specific constraints of the infill parcel, proposed landscaping and the demonstrated need for queuing space for a high‑volume drive‑through operator. The examiner granted both variances and the plat subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.

The examiner said: “I am going to grant 2026 CVR 805 subject to the site plan and subject to the findings of fact.”

Next steps: The recommendation will be placed on the MDC docket for formal commission action; the plat approval was recommended subject to the 10 conditions in the written staff report.

Sources: Public testimony and staff presentations at the June 11 hearing.