The Tucker Planning Commission voted to recommend approval for a new Whataburger drive-thru at 4453 Hugh Howell Road during a meeting on April 16.
The site plan, which proposes to remodel the former Wendy’s located at the site, includes 24/7 service, a single drive-thru lane, the addition of open-air dining and landscaping, and the relocation of the drive-thru speaker away from the residential area to eliminate noise.
Related story: Tucker community discuss plans for new Whataburger location
The commission’s recommendation will be sent to the Tucker City Council. The council will conduct its first read on May 11 and second read on June 8.
The planning commission also voted to recommend deferral on plans for a 7 Brew drive-thru coffee shop on Lawrenceville Highway during Monday’s meeting.
Members of the commission voted to defer three items – requests for rezoning, a Special Land Use Permit, and concurrent variance – relating to the property located at 4270 Lawrenceville Highway. The proposed site plan includes a pedestrian walk-up window along Lynburn Drive, two access points on Lawrenceville Highway and Burns Avenue, and a mural of the waterfall at Henderson Park.
The plan was recommended for deferral by the planning commission because the proposed site plan did not comply with the downtown character area. Julie Sellers, managing partner with land use litigation firm Dillard Sellers, said the 7 Brew was a good fit for the neighborhood because of the challenge with the site — it’s zoned as C-1, different than neighboring sites, and the parcel of land is small, limiting what could be built within the zoning requirements, and opportunities for pedestrian activation.
“I am in favor of [the 7 Brew development] because it helps rebuild downtown Tucker, possibly generating more pedestrian traffic,” one community member said during public comment.
Related story: Tucker residents weigh in on 7 Brew Coffee zoning plans
Commissioners and city staff recommended that the applicant change the architectural style to better match the neighborhood, add outdoor seating for pedestrians, and address traffic concerns at the site and on adjacent roads.
Dillard Sellers and Rocket Brew will return to present a new site plan to the commission in May. If the commission votes to recommend the 7 Brew package, it will move to the mayor and city council to approve.
