Downers Grove to Discuss McDonald's Drive-Thru, Parking Restrictions

The Downers Grove Village Council will discuss parking restrictions and a possible double-lane drive-thru at the Ogden Avenue McDonald's during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night.

Up for a vote on Tuesday are two separate ordinances that would implement "No Parking Any Time" restrictions on Carpenter Street and Saratoga Avenue.

According to village staff, the recent construction near the intersection of Carpenter and Grove streets resulted in the narrowing of Carpenter Street, which improved pedestrian and motorist safety but precluded parking.

The ordinance would amend the Municipal Code to install "No Parking Any Time" restrictions along the west side of Carpenter, between Grove Street and Ross Court.

The resolution for Saratoga Avenue calls for "No Parking Any Time" on the east side of the street, north of Palmer Street. 

According to village documents, the proposed restriction is in response to a neighborhood concern that after-school activities at the Kingsley School field are damaging the parkway and blocking the private driveway along the east side of Saratoga, which is a narrow, dead-end street north of Palmer.

Staff observed the location and agrees that the after-school activities have created unsafe parking conditions and that the current restriction—no parking from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.—is effective during the day, but not after 4 p.m.

Scheduled for first reading Tuesday night are three ordinances and a resolution that would authorize the construction of side-by-side drive-thru lanes at the McDonald's restaurant located at 225 Ogden Ave.

The restaurant currently has a single drive-thru lane. No other changes will be made to the existing building or the current circulation pattern through the site, according to village documents.

Construction of the side-by-side lanes requires rezoning, an alley vacation, a special use permit and a plat of consolidation.

The Downers Grove Plan Commission voted unanimously Sept. 9 to recommend all four requests. The council is expected to discuss the items Tuesday and take a formal vote during its Oct. 8 meeting.

Tuesday's council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 801 Burlington Ave.

For more information, visit www.downers.us.