Do We Desperately Need Drive-Thrus?

[rapunzel]

So it is a better deal to use the government and the force of law to prevent people from having choices? Why not let them come into the area and then just do not eat there? Why are some wanting it stopped for competitive reasons? If the rest of us have to deal with the internet and Walmart it is only fair that the eateries can learn to compete with McDonalds.

Can I put a strip club next door to your church? How about a liquor store next to your kid's school?

If the citizen's living in an area don't want the zoning to allow a certain type of establishment, they shouldn't be forced to put up with it. I didn't mean to imply at all that restaurants in the area should be protected from competition with national chains that sell over processed junk, only that I preferred to retain the types of restaurants that have evolved locally to serve our local economy. Further, I think the market differentiation that results from not having fast food and chain restaurants on or near 30-A brings a different sort of tourist, one looking to escape from the typical Florida beach strip, and enjoy a more natural, small beach town feeling place. Those people spend more money per capita, and therefore help us to retain a quality of life and keep 30A a livable community. It's a good balance.

I just don't understand the all or nothing thinking that seems to require either that we have no say in our community, or embrace some commie/hippie philosophy of communal property and deprive people of their property rights. Zoning laws were developed to allow a balance between the needs of the community and property rights. If I don't want a McDonald's next door, and bought my property with the expectation that the adjoining property couldn't be used in that way, how does it not violate my property rights to change the zoning on the back end?

AndyA: I took my information from the South Walton Community Council's March newsletter. I am not at all sure if the motion to have an ordinance drafted was made by Sara Comander because it was her idea or because she is the chair of the BCC, only that she made the motion. I was surprised that she would be involved, heretofore I thought she was our best commissioner. Please fill us all in on what you were told. Nevertheless, I still believe early community response is what Walton County officials have requested from the public time and time again -- and I don't think letting our county officials know our thoughts on this issue is either an attack or a mistake.

 

[Matt J]

I believe she is a member of the Planning Comission
Posted via Mobile Device

Aren't you Robert Nelson's daughter?

 

[ShallowsNole]

Aren't you Robert Nelson's daughter?

And what if she was? (really, I don't know, but I doubt it.)

 

[Interested Girl]

No I am not his daughter,old enoug to be his mother but I am not his mother either.:lol

 

[GoodWitch58]

did ya'll read the thread about the diner on 331...maybe that means we don't have to have fast food drive thrus.....a diner with yummy home cooking would be so much better.

Have not seen it, or been yet, but hope it's good. Someone is taking good advantage of a current situation apparently.

 

[Interested Girl]

McDonalds - corner of Moll Drive and HWY 98

 

[Andy A]

I did not take notes during our conversation and at the risk of misquoting Commissioner Commander prefer not to state what transpired during the conversation. Suffice it to say she is exploring possibilities at the request of a constituent. She is quite open to questions and will readily respond to sensible ones asked. I suggest if you want a more specific response, you call her. She, IMO, is a great Commissioner.

 

[robertsondavies]

i agree with the goose, golden egg comment above. No I don't own a restaurant on 30-a.

I know that national chains (fast casual and fast food, require drive thru's to be profitable), ; What I can tell you is that if South Walton becomes litterred with chipoltles, mcds, taco bells, Zaxbys, and/or the vaunted Panera bread company, I'll know the goose is dead.

If such a RIDICULOUSLY OUT OF CHARACTER proposal wins, most of all 30-a loses. Well, all except those who RIGHT NOW want to attract anchor fast food, fast casual tenants to a handful of F-ing parcels on 98 or 331.

I don't have a voting voice in this one politically. Votes like mine will be tabulated in years to come - when we curtail or stop renting places out down there, and when we stop dragging people from all over the continent to see SOWal for th first time and become awed as we have in the past.

 

[ShallowsNole]

McDonalds - corner of Moll Drive and HWY 98

Aw man. It can't be a Whataburger? Locals get a 10% discount!

 

[scooterbug44]

A 10% discount on food I won't eat because it's so nasty - what an enticement! :roll: