By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Plans are proceeding expeditiously towards the construction of a Starbucks on the current site of the Whitewater Quick Lube at 1280 W. Main Street. As was previously announced on the Banner, Starbucks had submitted plans to the city for a coffee shop with drive-thru on the property. The existing building would be demolished. Assuming that the Plan & Architectural Review Commission (PARC) favorably reviewed the site plan and voted to issue a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) that is required for the drive-thru, the city would be in a position to accept an application for a building permit.
In advance of the PARC meeting of May 8, members were provided a report from the city’s engineering consultants, Strand Associates, regarding anticipated traffic impacts of Starbucks. It was their view that the proposed Starbucks would be compatible with the rest of the property “as the busy hours for Starbucks are typically different from Walmart. Starbucks is busiest during the AM peak hours when Walmart use and traffic will be at its lowest. Also, during the PM peak hour when Walmart is experiencing heavier traffic, Starbucks is experiencing lower traffic volumes. Saturdays is when the site will likely be busiest as both land uses will likely see increased traffic volume during the late morning hours. It is on a Saturday when it is most likely that some of the Walmart traffic will shift to the western driveway. ” The consultants did not feel that the addition of a traffic light would be warranted.
In spite of the assurances in the Strand Report, discussion at the PARC meeting revolved almost exclusively around potential traffic concerns, among them being the possibility of slowdowns in the westbound right lane on Main Street if traffic backs up in the east driveway. Also mentioned was concern about likely conflicts between vehicles exiting the Starbucks drive-thru versus the incoming and outgoing Walmart traffic. Ultimately the CUP and site plan were both approved on 6-1 votes with Andrew Crone, who contended that a change in the orientation of the building would be beneficial, casting the negative vote. The approved motion called for suggesting to the developer that there be a “right turn only” sign installed at the exit from the drive-thru.
Although it had been anticipated that ALDI’s plans might also be reviewed at the meeting, that developer indicated that they needed more time and expect to submit their application in time for the June meeting. City Manager John Weidl stated at the Greater Whitewater Committee meeting on May 11 that city staff has been in communication with the owner of the Whitewater Quick Lube to offer assistance in finding a suitable alternate location for their business. Weidl expressed optimism that their business will be retained in the city.
If PARC approves the site plan, accepts the design, and approves the Conditional Use Permit, the owner of the land and his representatives can apply for building permits. The internal review by city staff will continue throughout the building process, with engineers and public works personnel ensuring the building and site are constructed in compliance with the city code. The Starbucks plans are available for review on the second floor of the municipal building at the Public Works/Neighborhood Services counter.
Chris Bennett, Neighborhood Services Director, shares, “One more place to grab a good cup of coffee is always good for any city. In a larger sense, what this new Starbucks represents is an individual and company willing to invest in Whitewater. Couple this with the new ALDI that is coming soon, and the redeveloped ACE Hardware, and that end of West Main Street is positioned for a bright future.”
