I have to echo the recurring sentiment that the traffic at this point on Hamilton is already more congested than preferred and looking at the proposed plan for the In-N-Out there doesn't seem to be much being done to mitigate the new impact, much less lessen the current problems.
The plan as shared raises the following concerns:
- main point of entry is designated as Hamilton Ave. The drive through is designed to handle 20 cars before flow would need to start backing up towards the road entry. This doesn't show the impact of cars waiting to get into and out of the area for parking to eat in the restaurant.
- restaurant building is designed to be much closer to the corner, which aesthetically is quite different then the current commercial buildings. The Bed, Bath & Beyond and Home Depot are fairly offset from the street which provides a sense of openness even though already a highly congested area.
- impact on Almarida, this street is already frequently used as a pass-through for people wanting to get to Hamilton while avoiding traffic on Winchester or Hamilton. This would increase the amount of traffic coming through the somewhat blind roundabout and cars already ignoring posted traffic signs and speed limits near a park and residential area. The traffic impact analysis should be sure to consider more than just the Hamilton/Almarida intersection.
- Litter/waste. As was mentioned earlier, there are already multiple fast food establishments and convenience stores nearby and the litter and refuse currently already spills into the neighboring areas. Any impact study hopefully will provide sufficient analysis of the increased litter from an establishment that is primarily focused on serving food to be consumed in vehicle.
- proposed design aesthetics, the proposed design shows that the drive through waiting line will be adjacent to Hamilton. As mentioned in other statements, this area already gets highly congested. The fact that there will now be an additional line of cars seems to just increase the visual impact of traffic overload / congestion. The proposed design does not seem to take aesthetics as part of its deliverables.
While adding popular chains and destinations is appealing, the location does not seem appropriate for the proposed business. The high likelihood of increased traffic congestion, increased waste/litter, and impact on aesthetics in an area that already deals with these challenges makes it seem that this corner location is not well-suited for the proposed use.
I have to echo the recurring sentiment that the traffic at this point on Hamilton is already more congested than preferred and looking at the proposed plan for the In-N-Out there doesn't seem to be much being done to mitigate the new impact, much less lessen the current problems.
The plan as shared raises the following concerns:
- main point of entry is designated as Hamilton Ave. The drive through is designed to handle 20 cars before flow would need to start backing up towards the road entry. This doesn't show the impact of cars waiting to get into and out of the area for parking to eat in the restaurant.
- restaurant building is designed to be much closer to the corner, which aesthetically is quite different then the current commercial buildings. The Bed, Bath & Beyond and Home Depot are fairly offset from the street which provides a sense of openness even though already a highly congested area.
- impact on Almarida, this street is already frequently used as a pass-through for people wanting to get to Hamilton while avoiding traffic on Winchester or Hamilton. This would increase the amount of traffic coming through the somewhat blind roundabout and cars already ignoring posted traffic signs and speed limits near a park and residential area. The traffic impact analysis should be sure to consider more than just the Hamilton/Almarida intersection.
- Litter/waste. As was mentioned earlier, there are already multiple fast food establishments and convenience stores nearby and the litter and refuse currently already spills into the neighboring areas. Any impact study hopefully will provide sufficient analysis of the increased litter from an establishment that is primarily focused on serving food to be consumed in vehicle.
- proposed design aesthetics, the proposed design shows that the drive through waiting line will be adjacent to Hamilton. As mentioned in other statements, this area already gets highly congested. The fact that there will now be an additional line of cars seems to just increase the visual impact of traffic overload / congestion. The proposed design does not seem to take aesthetics as part of its deliverables.
While adding popular chains and destinations is appealing, the location does not seem appropriate for the proposed business. The high likelihood of increased traffic congestion, increased waste/litter, and impact on aesthetics in an area that already deals with these challenges makes it seem that this corner location is not well-suited for the proposed use.