Residents to Protest Proposed McDonald’s

When it comes to the proposal to build a at the site of the former Detroit Theatre, some Lakewood residents are not lovin’ it.

And they are taking their disapproval to the streets.

Residents are set to protest the plan at 5:30 tonight at the location of the proposed fast-food restaurant at the intersection of Detroit and Woodward avenues.

Neighbors say they are concerned about the increased traffic and safety issues they expect following the construction of a double drive-thru McDonald’s — with its proposed two entrances and two exits on Woodward Avenue, a residential street of more than 100 homes.

This isn’t the first time residents have spoken up on the issue. 

More than in June to discuss the proposal. Opposition to the Golden Arches on Detroit Avenue hasn’t really let up since.

In September, residents packed as the .

And last month, the that would combine two parcels of land at the site, and obtain a conditional use permit to allow an accessory parking lot in a residential district.

But planning commission members agreed to discuss the issue further, citing concerns over traffic.

Fran Storch, who has lived on Woodward Avenue for 28 years, is one of dozens of residents who has attended each of the public meetings on the issue. She’s not buying the McDonald’s assertion that traffic on her street won’t be impacted once the Golden Arches have been planted.

“Does anybody believe that?" she asked. “It’s ridiculous that all of this traffic is on a side street — a residential street.”

The city will again discuss the issue at Thursday’s planning commission meeting. But before that, residents are expected to let the city know how they feel about the proposal, with another protest planned at city hall at 7 p.m.

“I do hope that as citizens and residents and tax-paying people that we do have some say over all this traffic that will be coming onto our street,” Storch said.

The building — at 16409 Detroit Avenue — has been on the market for years with a price tag of $695,000, but gained little interest. With declining attendance in an industry that has struggled to remain financially viable, the earlier this year after 87 years.

How do you feel about the proposed McDonald's?  and let us know.