Developers of Proposed McDonald's Doing Traffic Study in Fairlawn

The developers of a proposed McDonald's at the corner of Shiawassee Avenue and West Market Street are conducting a traffic study before submitting plans for the new fast food restaurant.

The project, which drew complaints from nearby residents, has been awarded variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals. 

But the developers, as promised, are looking at ways to improve traffic flow in the area before going any further.

"They knew they were going to have to do a traffic study," Council President Russ Sharnsky said.

Once the survey is done, the next step is to take plans for the 4,500-square-foot McDonald's to the Planning Commission.

The eatery sparked controversy when it was re-introduced in February, when residents spoke against litter, crime and traffic it might generate.

But the developer, John Blickle of Rubber City Arches, told residents the restaurant would not generate much traffic -- only capture passing motorists.

He offered at that time to hire engineers to perform a traffic study that would not only deal with the new McDonald's, but could also suggest solutions to existing tie-ups in the area.

The BZA awarded  a 0.57-acre variance from the minimum lot size requirement of 1.5 acres and a 25-foot minimum parking set back variance to allow 6.8-foot setback from West Market and 7-foot setback from Shiawassee Avenue.

Residents also complained that there were enough McDonald's restaurants in the area, but Blickle said the company's research showed another would do well at that corner.