Taco Bell could contribute to Lorain economy

Lorain City Council should consider approving plans for a new Taco Bell at a major intersection on the city’s east side because the restaurant would contribute to the local economy.

Developers of the Taco Bell want to build the eatery on the southwest corner of Colorado Avenue, also known as state Route 611, and Henderson Drive.

On Nov. 2, the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission both voted on measures to hopefully clear the way for Taco Bell.

The site is located at 1390 Colorado Ave., which was previously a furniture store.

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to approve five variances needed to build the Mexican-inspired drive-thru restaurant.

And the Planning Commission approved recommending to City Council re-zoning the property for the proposed restaurant from I-1 to B-2, or from industrial to business.

Council must approve the re-zoning before construction can go forward.

Joshua Graber, a structural designer for the GPD Group, appeared at the Lorain meeting on behalf of Taco Bell Inc., the developer of the project.

Graber stated Taco Bell has a tentative deal to purchase the land, and if Council grants approval on the zoning change, construction could begin in the spring and finish by late summer or early fall 2023.

The variances included modifying the number of cars that could be stacked at the restaurant’s two drive-thru lanes, and reducing the number of required parking spots from 31 to 18.

The three other variances dealt with setbacks requirements.

Also, the request for the variances was predicated on the fact that a 42-inch sewer line runs underneath the property and developers don’t want the new building to possibly damage the pipe.

And Zoning board member Henry Patterson is rightfully concerned about the traffic flow in the area.

A Wendy’s at the corner of Colorado and Henderson and a McDonald’s a stone’s throw away can cause backup issues with customers trying to enter and exit those businesses.

A traffic study had not been completed, but Graber would consult with the city’s Engineering Department to further study it.

The plan does call for the restaurant to have access points from both Henderson and Colorado.

And, this could spur more economic development on the east side.

Also, many people live in that area.

By the way, there is a Taco Bell located at 3671 Oberlin Ave. on the city’s west side.

Mayor Jack Bradley noted the city is planning to renovate the Henderson and Colorado intersection, and the arrival of Taco Bell, would be considered when planning the redesign.

The city received a grant to reconfigure that particular intersection, so now is a good time for the Council to approve the restaurant.

City officials can address traffic issues with all of the businesses and homeowners located near the intersection, and to prepare for additional enterprises in that area.

One of the proposed developments for Lorain’s east side is called “Rush for Lorain,” which would become a racethemed entertainment site at Cromwell Park.

Nick Sakiewicz, who represents NES Sports and Real Estate Development, and Charlie Thornton, co-chief executive officer of CAAIcon, teamed with Kris McCrone, owner of Elyria-based McCrone Motor Sports, to build a race-themed entertainment venue at Cromwell Park, a 204-acre site between Colorado Avenue and the Black River on Lorain’s east side.

The complex would start with three race tracks: one a world-class professional track to attract events to the city; a second track for go-kart type racing and family and group outings; and an indoor track, allowing the facility to be used 365 days a year.

The project would include a restaurant, retail or possibly a hotel.

On Feb. 21, Lorain Council approved a zoning change with a 10-0 vote for construction of the project despite objections to the site from the Black River Audubon Society.

Council has shown it’s a visionary group in its support of the proposed race-themed entertainment site.

Now, it should consider approving the Taco Bell project.

The city received a grant to reconfigure that particular intersection, so now is a good time for the Council to approve the restaurant.