McDonald’s franchise requests rezoning for new location in southeast Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — A McDonald’s franchisee hopes to rezone a portion of Cedar Rapids along Mount Vernon Road SE for a new Golden Arch this week.

The restaurant in question has proposed a rezoning for a drive-thru restaurant at 3414 Mount Vernon Rd. SE, between 34th Street and 35th Street SE. Entrances would be located on both 34th and 35th, with exits on 35th.

The rezoning hearing with the City of Cedar Rapids’ City Planning Commission, set for Dec. 4, will consider combining parcels of land adjacent to 3414 Mount Vernon Rd. SE and rezoning some of the parcels from traditional residential single unit (T-R1) to a traditional mixed-use center (T-MC.)

The proposal articulates plans to tear down Community Savings Bank, repurpose a green space at 720 34th St. SE for a drive-thru entrance, and demolish two duplexes at 725 and 803 35th St. SE for a parking lot, displacing four residents.

If the proposal passes the Planning Commission, it will advance to a public hearing before Cedar Rapids City Council, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 16. City staff have recommended approval, according to the City Planning Commission agenda for Thursday.

At a neighborhood virtual meeting on Oct. 28, residents voiced concerns about traffic impacts, the loss of four residences and safety concerns for pedestrians — especially with children from nearby Erskine Elementary School, two blocks northeast.

“Our concern is distracted drivers eating food and digging into (food) sacks while children are walking in the street,” said Janet Wilkie, a concerned resident of 35th St SE. “I have nothing against McDonald's or fast food restaurants.”

In a response, McDonald’s LLC said traffic volumes will have a “minimal increase” on Mount Vernon Rd. SE. The primary increase cited will be south of the proposed access drive on 35th Street SE.

“Overall, pedestrian activity would be characterized as low in this area,” their statement said, citing pedestrian data collected at the intersection of Mount Vernon Rd. SE at 34th and 35th Streets. “Data on the number of kids walking to school was not available, so it is hard to say what impact the proposed restaurant would have on them.”

McDonald’s plans to permit the location as a 24-hour operation, unless otherwise limited by city code.

Megan Woolard and Trish Mehaffey of The Gazette contributed to this report.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

Get the latest restaurant news, food reviews and insider tips from the Chew on This newsletter.