TULSA, Okla. — Brookside neighbors got another update on plans for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant set to be located on 42nd and Peoria.
Developers tweaked original plans after hearing from neighbors a few weeks ago. The 42nd and Peoria area is largely residential, a unique location for a Chick-fil-A restaurant, posing unique challenges.
It will be a "balancing act between the success of Chick-fil-A, with the location they’ve chosen," said neighbor Shawn Linfoot.
Developers have plans in place to strike that balance.
- Previous coverage >>> Brookside businesses react to possible Chick-fil-A comingsoon
Investors are trying to soften the impact on the neighborhood by constructing a 6'8" wall surrounding the parking lot, planting trees, and using subtle lighting.
The aesthetics might be the least of neighbors’ concerns. The most common theme is traffic patterns.
"They may have a honeymoon for a day or two, and they’ll go hire policemen, and the police will direct traffic," said Louis Reynolds, an attorney representing Chick-fil-A.
Developers anticipate seeing, on average, 170 cars pass through the drive-thru during peak hours. The drive-thru can hold about 40 cars at any given moment — that's without spillage into the street.
Exiting traffic has to turn on to Peoria. Unless they go all the way around the building to an alternative exit. One Brookside neighbor is not convinced.
"We’re not throwing darts. We’re expressing our feelings toward the homes we live in, and it’s nothing personal," he said.
Tim Clark, another Brookside neighbor, disagrees. He’s excited about the new eatery.
"Chick-fil-A will enhance the neighborhood in every respect. Property value wise, property-tax-wise, the taxes they will pay the city are tremendous," Clark said.
Hear more reactions from neighbors to the new Chick-fil-A:
One restaurant that may be a predictor? Raising Cane’s.
"You know, I was watching Cane’s real closely when that came in. They would love to have 170 cars an hour," Linfoot said.
Neighbors think the Cane’s is not comparable.
The Chick-fil-A is a while away from completion. Developers have to get city approvals and, of course, build the entire restaurant.
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