San Jose Residents Fighting to Prevent Drive-Thru McDonald’s

A developer with plans to build a new McDonald's off Bollinger Road in San Jose is fighting for the right to include a drive-thru, but neighbors aren't lovin' it.

The San Jose Planning Commission denied developers a permit for the drive-thru, but the ruling is being appealed to the City Council.

"The issue is with the drive-thru and all the traffic problems it would pose, not to mention the noise," said Conrad Minshall who is spearheading efforts to prevent the drive-thru. "It would be a real mess and we would lose our pedestrian feel here."

The drive-thru is not the only issue some residents have with the new fast-food restaurant location.

At least 780 people signed a petition expressing various concerns about the proposed McDonald's. Some say the location across the street from Hyde Middle School would undermine efforts to fight childhood obesity, while others worry kids will run across the street to get burgers and fries.

Some businesses, including the operators of Caffe Adria, are worried the fast-food restaurant would take a bite out of profits.

However, others are more welcoming.

"A new McDonald's would mean more jobs and more money for the city," said Cathy Walsh, a San Jose resident.

The restaurant is expected to employ 57 people and bring in $62,000 a year in payroll taxes.

City Council member Pete Constant, whose district includes the proposed location, said a vote against the drive-thru won't necessarily kill the entire project district.

"This site is zoned and permitted for restaurant use so if McDonald's drops the drive-thru and meets the design requirements then they can build right now," Constant said.