In a recent city council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the development of a former police precinct site at 1925 Union Avenue, which was initially approved for a hotel, townhomes, and commercial space. Council members expressed frustration over the current proposal, which includes a drive-through restaurant, arguing it deviates from the original vision for the property.

Councilman Carlisle emphasized that he would not support any changes to the development plan unless substantial concessions were made to the neighborhood, such as prioritizing the construction of townhomes. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of city-owned assets, particularly in densely populated areas, and questioned whether a hotel and drive-through were appropriate uses for the site.

Councilman Warren echoed these sentiments, recalling that the original development plan included simultaneous construction of all three components—commercial, hotel, and townhomes. He noted the proliferation of fast-food establishments in the area and raised concerns about traffic congestion, particularly during school pick-up times.

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) clarified that the special use permit (SUP) for the hotel had expired, necessitating a time extension for any hotel construction to proceed. Without this extension, the drive-through could operate by right, but it would face challenges in meeting designated frontage standards. DPD recommended approval of the time extension while advising against the drive-through proposal.

The council is now faced with two critical votes: one for the time extension of the hotel and another for the drive-through. The outcome will determine the future of this key property and its alignment with the community's expectations.