Zoning administrator Peter Gilli on Wednesday evening approved a new Chick-Fil-A with a drive-through for 1962 El Camino Real. The Sizzler now there refused to pay "anything close to the market rent" the landlord said.
Gilli said he was torn about allowing a drive-through right next to a three-story apartment building, which was not recommended by city staff. He approved it after hearing only support from neighbors and the Chamber of Commerce.
"My knee-jerk reaction is the drive-through is too close to the apartment building," Gilli said. "But lacking opposition from immediate neighbors, it seems appropriate."
Three speakers at the meeting decried the loss of Sizzler's relatively healthy, cheap food.
"This is the last restaurant (in Mountain View) senior citizens can go to that they can afford," said resident Paul Birch.
"I love Sizzler," said landlord Kathy Lin. "Unfortunately they refuse to pay anything close to the market rent. They currently only pay $2,500 a month."
Two neighborhood residents actually showed up to the 4 p.m. meeting to support the drive through for its convenience, including Rachel McFee, a mother of three in the neighboring complex.
"It appeals to me to have that drive-through as a young mom," McFee said. "Families would really appreciate that."
Gilli said he could not consider in his decision on the politics of Chick-Fil-A, which actively supports anti-gay rights groups, but made it clear that "I'm not condoning anything in any way." He praised Chick-Fil-A for working with a neighboring property owner to turn two driveways into one, for one less driveway for pedestrians to cross and potentially be hit by a car. Gilli also noted that a new stoplight-controlled intersection at Clark Avenue on El Camino Real would also go in as part of the project.
Gilli also noted that the "vast majority" of emails he had received were in support of the fast-food restaurant.
Gilli's decision will stand unless a $1,000 appeal to the City Council is filed within 10 days. Council members have expressed interest in a moratorium on new drive-throughs on El Camino Real, citing the environmental issue of idling engines and concepts for turning El Camino Real into a Grand Boulevard.
"If this gets appealed I have no idea what council is going to say," Gilli said. "Those of you who have followed my decisions know I've had a rough couple of months."
Comments
Cuernavaca
on Jul 12, 2012 at 8:57 pm
on Jul 12, 2012 at 8:57 pm
I was thrilled to see a Sweet Tomato restaurant open in Mountain View (near the intersection of Grant, El Camino and 237). I love their salads and baked potatoes. However I don't remember reading anything about it in the Voice. One day, I drove by and there it was. Why then is the opening of Chick Fil A front page news? Please tell us when good restaurants come to town, not just fried up fast food joints.
Cuesta Park
on Jul 13, 2012 at 12:10 am
on Jul 13, 2012 at 12:10 am
Thanks to Peter Gilli for making the right decision and making Mountain View business-friendly.
Still not sure why this is news, however. How many other restaurants come and go with no discussion? Daniel DeBolt is seems to be trying to invent a controversy.
Monta Loma
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:18 am
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:18 am
Woohoo! Yummy!
Old Mountain View
on Jul 13, 2012 at 6:27 am
on Jul 13, 2012 at 6:27 am
Drive-thru, no drive-thru. drive-thru. More flipping and flopping from the city of Mountain View.
At least if you're pro-gay, you won't have to get out of your car to show your face or how hungry you are.
The City and Voice should make it mandatory that ALL businesses broadcast their views on the gay life style. And then those views should be printed in the Voice.
Hec, make every one put a sign outside their door. Have I missed anything?
Jackson Park
on Jul 13, 2012 at 8:57 am
on Jul 13, 2012 at 8:57 am
It's news because there was an some type of environmental study or discussion the city council had, about having another drive-thru in MV and the pollution impact it would cause.
Obviously, if you've ever driven on El Camino during a weeknight, trying to get to 85 south or towards Sunnyvale. You would see how small of an impact another drive-thru will have on the environment in MV.
Waverly Park
on Jul 13, 2012 at 12:21 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 12:21 pm
I am very disappointed in Mr. Debolts article focusing on political views. Chick-fil-a offers fantastic food and if you don't want to go there don't.
More important the Cathy family does so much good and has for over 20 years. You might want to print that. They provide awesome working conditions for their employees. They have scholarship progams for their employees. They underwrite multiple school fundraisers. They sponser 11 foster homes in Georgia, Tennesse and Alabama. They also offer a summer camp for more than 15,000 children each year who otherwise would not be able to attend. Try printing some of that.
Shoreline West
on Jul 13, 2012 at 3:02 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 3:02 pm
The article reports on a zoning approval. It is not an announcement of a restaurant opening and is not intended to be an analysis of the benevolence of the owners.
another community
on Jul 13, 2012 at 3:11 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Sweet Tomato is not as health at it appears, fat contents are high:
Web Link
It's up to the individual to be aware of the hidden dangers in the food we eat.
Shoreline West
on Jul 13, 2012 at 3:40 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Country Gourmet has a large variety of healthy foods, generous portions, and reasonable prices, plus a 10% senior discount at all times, so we eat there often.
Waverly Park
on Jul 13, 2012 at 3:42 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Well Daniel, you have tried twice now to create an issue about Chick-fil-a and gay rights. You failed. It is NOT news-worthy. They do a LOT of good, and EVERY business has something someone will not like about it somewhere.
Too bad about Sizzler, I prefer it to Chick-fil-a, but the right decision was made here.
Shoreline West
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:11 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Dear Diane Buda,
The owners are bigots who spread hatred. How much good does somehow have to do to offset the hatred they spread?
Jackson Park
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:13 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Drav Thru!!!! YEEEE-HAAAW! Cuz gittin' outta yer car maht mayke ya look like wunna them thar excersizin' health freaks. Look out now! (HONK HONK)Chik'n comin' thru!!
Cuesta Park
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:19 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:19 pm
I'm personally glad people brought up the issue of how the owners donated so much for oppressive causes. If it was not brought up here I wouldn't have known...not high on my priority list. now that I do know, though, I can make a more informed decision on how my purchase may affect other things. this is an extreme example, but I would not buy blood diamonds because I know I would be funding evil. I probably won't feel like funding oppression either, but I won't make that decision right now.
Rex Manor
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:34 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 5:34 pm
Welcome Chic=Fil-A....
Mtn View can use some good Chkn.... and for those that are pro-gay or anti-gay.... forget your politics.... Who cares how you vote, how you care about re-distribution of wealth, how you need, want or desire to get money from others...
Damn, just eat chicken or don't...
Council... It is this kind of Non-Political issue that sinks Politicians (or keeps them in office.)
Bye George
Cuesta Park
on Jul 13, 2012 at 8:26 pm
on Jul 13, 2012 at 8:26 pm
I don't understand the concerns of our elected officials about this company's association with supporting conventional marriage, it is not the responsibility of government, we already have domestic partner laws. Let the consumer decide whether the business is successful, that is democracy and capitalism. I'll eat the battered deep fried chicken meat and get service from employed people. Don't we need jobs?
Blossom Valley
on Jul 14, 2012 at 5:27 am
on Jul 14, 2012 at 5:27 am
Everything we do in life needs to be filtered through the pro-Gay filter.
If not, something is just not right with you. I mean the thought of eating anti-gay chicken is just horrible!
When will everybody understand that?
Cuesta Park
on Jul 14, 2012 at 4:50 pm
on Jul 14, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Clearly the City Council should pass an ordinance requiring that all chicken in Mountain View be certified gay chicken. Then at least Daniel DeBolt might have a real story to write for the Voice.
Registered user
Shoreline West
on Jul 18, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Registered user
on Jul 18, 2012 at 1:36 pm
btw.. thats 1962 WEST El Camino Real.... 1962 el camino is in redwood city
I for one am ecstatic that this got approved. Chik-fil-a is one of the best tasting, and healthiest fast food franchises this country has. And now "we" dont have to go to San Jose. Always a plus in my book