One of two Sonics pass muster

Published Feb. 26, 2009 at 4:56 p.m.
Residents on the south side of W. Sunset Drive were given some satisfaction last night as the Plan Commission denied a request to build a Sonic Drive-in at the Shoppes of Fox River.Sonic advocates spent a lot of time telling the commission how much fun and money the franchise fast-food place would bring into the community.In the end, the commission sided with neighbors about concerns of traffic, noise, flashing headlights, trash, late operating hours, drag racing on W. Sunset Drive and Sonic's incompatible appearance with rest of the shopping center that will have a Target, Pick 'n Save, CVS Pharmacy, Buffalo Wild Wings and other shops.Mayor Larry Nelson was the only commission member to vote against the measure that killed the proposal.Nelson said he did not want the city to lose a $1 million development and the promise of 100 jobs.Sonic had presented building plans that showed a toned-down and less gaudy structureOpponents said they were not against a Sonic at the Shoppes. The problem, as they saw it, was that the drive-in was adjacent to W. Sunset Drive, making its traffic intrusive to nearby residents.Neighbor John Boggio told commissioners that developer Opus North Corp. never indicated a fast food restaurant was being considered.In an e-mail, he sent to me, Boggio wrote: "All the way from the beginning. It was brought up repeatedly. There will be no fast food or drive thru. We want an upscale appearance. Fast food does not fit what we are trying to do. The only time a drive thru showed up on drawings was as a place holder."Commissioners suggested that Sonic find another location in the Shoppes that's away from W. Sunset Drive.Sonic officials were not keen with that idea, saying the chain was new and needed strong exposure to the street.A second Sonic proposal was approved. The old Pyramax Bank at 2208 E. Moreland Blvd. will be torn down to make room for the restaurant that features car hops that bring food to vehicles. There is no indoor seating.


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