Planning Board Approves New McDonald's Relocation with Drive-Through on Central Park Avenue

The Yonkers City Planning Board convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss significant developments affecting local infrastructure and community dynamics. The meeting primarily focused on the site plan approval for a religious institution and the relocation of a McDonald's restaurant, both of which have implications for traffic, parking, and community engagement.

In the first major discussion, representatives for the Islamic Cultural Center of Mid-Westchester (ICCMW) presented their site plan for a new facility at 2 Grandview Avenue. The proposal aims to consolidate worship activities currently held at St. John's Episcopal Church, which has raised concerns about parking and traffic management. The applicant emphasized that the new site would accommodate all required parking spaces, addressing previous community concerns about overflow parking on local streets. However, board members expressed skepticism regarding the adequacy of the proposed parking, questioning whether the plan would truly alleviate existing issues.

Board member comments highlighted the ongoing tension between community needs and the applicant's plans. Concerns were raised about the potential for overflow parking and the impact on neighborhood traffic, particularly during peak worship times. The board underscored the importance of ensuring that the site plan includes clear occupancy limits and effective monitoring to prevent disruptions to the surrounding community.

The second significant topic was the relocation of a McDonald's restaurant to the site of a former Modell's Sporting Goods store on Central Park Avenue. The new establishment will feature a drive-through and is designed to enhance safety and accessibility. The board approved the site plan with specific conditions, including restrictions on temporary signage and requirements for further modifications to be submitted for review.

Overall, the meeting underscored the complexities of urban planning in Yonkers, where community voices play a crucial role in shaping development outcomes. As the board continues to navigate these discussions, the focus remains on balancing growth with the needs and concerns of local residents. The next steps will involve further evaluations of the ICCMW's site plan and ongoing dialogue about the McDonald's relocation, as both projects move forward in the approval process.