Schools and burgers don’t mix in one Bay Area city.
The Oakley City Council voted 3-to-2 to reject a McDonald’s drive-thru that would be located near the Laurel Elementary School, at the northwest corner of Laurel Road and O’Hara Avenue, the East Bay Times reported. The council debated for almost three hours before voting.
Council members and city residents said the fast-food spot would be out of character with the neighborhood. Councilwoman Anissa Williams, who voted against it, referred to Walnut Creek, which turned down an Amy’s drive-thru.
“They didn’t feel they could, in good conscience, do that,” she said. “And I feel like this is the same thing. We’re in that same position where this is an intense use.”
Mayor Randy Pope and Vice Mayor Aaron Meadows voted against rejecting the permit. The mayor said property owners ought to be able to do what they want on their property as long as it doesn’t interfere with the neighbors. Council members rejected Pope’s attempts to find a compromise such as modified hours.
Councilman George Fuller, who joined in opposing the permit, spoke highly of the community input and interest in the safety of children, saying, “you came here because you have an issue with your community and how it’s being run. And that’s what local governments are all about.”
[East Bay Times] — Gabriel Poblete
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