Plans for Starbucks Drive-Thru OKed, Variance Needed from Zoning Board

For local coffee enthusiasts, there’s no need to fret: a drive-through Starbucks is set to open in Suburban Plaza in Decatur, the issue now lies in which site the chain will be built.

Plans for the drive-through component were approved on Sept. 23, but the owners of Suburban Plaza LCC have requested a variance with the city Zoning Board that would allow the coffee shop to build closer to North Decatur Road, and in doing so demolish an existing building, the former Pizza Hut.

A report from the Medlock Area Neighborhood Association clarifies that such action requires special approval from the city because the DeKalb County Code of Ordinances mandates a 75-foot front yard setback, while the proposed Starbucks hopes to build 5 feet from the property line.

Should the board grant this variance, customers will be able to walk to Starbucks via the sidewalks plaza developers Selig Enterprises are building.

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the variance in a public hearing on Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. in Maloof Auditorium at 1300 Commerce Drive in Decatur, according to a post on Decatur Heights Neighborhood Association.

The Medlock Area Neighborhood Association has also confirmed that construction of a new Walmart will begin this month with an anticipated opening date of February or March 2016. LA Fitness, another business with hopes of opening a location in Suburban Plaza, is in the process of applying for a business permit to take over the old Winn Dixie building.

Selig is in final negotiations with two other potential tenants for the plaza, but their names have not yet been released.

Patch file photo

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