Spring Hill planners did not approve a sketch plan this week for a development that included a Chick-fil-A.
The plan, submitted by Arnold Consulting Engineering Services, Inc, put on 3.25 acres at Main Street and Wilkes Lane two drive through restaurants, two medical/dental offices and two retail spaces, was unsafe in layout and intensity of use for members of the Spring Hill Planning Commission.
One of the restaurants was a Chick-fil-A
“I want to be clear that this was not a vote against Chick-fil-A,” Planner and Alderman Matt Fitterer said. “The amount of buildings and space and how it was situated and accessed from U.S. 31 and Wilkes Lane was overall not safe. We had concerns with the expected traffic generation of two drive-thrus, plus four other businesses off a street we [Main Street] have significant through-put and safety issues on.”
The sketch plan was similar to one put on the planners’ agenda then removed in the fall for the same site. It was taken off then, Fitterer said, for similar concerns, after it was made clear that it would not pass as was.
“To their credit they made improvements upon that plan but ultimately they were not substantial enough,” Fitterer said.
At that time Chick-fil-A was not part of the development. He anticipates the developer will try again.
I would anticipate another application being made, whether the end user is still Chick-fil-A or not I can’t predict,” he said.
The plans showed a right-in-right-out driveway on Main Street, a dedicated added right turn-lane at the intersection of Main Street and Wilkes Lane. A full access driveway was proposed onto Wilkes Lane to complement the Main Street in/out. Inter-connectivity to nearby off-street shopping areas was proposed.
The site plan had 131 spaces
