TOLEDO, Ohio — City leaders are grappling with how to manage commercial development in the quiet, residential neighborhood of Executive Parkway. The area, which has seen limited commercial activity in recent years, could be impacted by a potential zoning change that would allow a new restaurant with a drive-thru to open next to the newly established Culver’s.
The proposed change comes as developers seek approval from the Toledo City Council’s Zoning and Planning Committee for a plot of land adjacent to Culver’s. The developers, who did not name the prospective business, indicated that the new establishment would be similar to popular chains like Raising Cane’s or Dunkin’. They emphasized that their original plans for a sit-down restaurant did not meet the city’s parking requirements and would be too large for the available space, prompting them to consider adding a drive-thru.
Despite the developers’ reasoning, city leaders expressed concerns about the impact such a business could have on the area’s traffic, walkability, and overall feel. Council Member Cerssandra McPherson raised alarms about the increased traffic and potential disruption to the nearby senior living facility. McPherson noted that long lines of customers at Culver’s had already begun to spill out onto Executive Parkway, and she feared that another drive-thru would only exacerbate the situation.
Meanwhile, Council Member Mac Driscoll argued that a sit-down restaurant might be a better fit for the area, with less impact on traffic and a more appropriate aesthetic. He expressed disappointment that parking requirements were forcing the developers to reconsider their original plans.
In response to these concerns, city leaders revealed they are working on a study of the current parking regulations, which may lead to changes in the future. Council Member Nick Komives suggested that removing parking minimums could offer a solution, allowing developers to proceed with their plans without facing unnecessary constraints.
As of now, no final decision has been made. While the city’s planning commission has shown support for the zoning change, the city’s planning staff remains opposed to approving the request. Council members indicated that a resolution will be reached at a later date after further consideration.
With the area’s future in the balance, Toledo leaders face a difficult decision about how best to balance growth with the preservation of the neighborhood’s character.