Are Drive-Thru Stores Appropriate For Walkable Neighborhoods?

Anthony Morando of New York's Cuddy & Feder LLP offers an opinion that drive-thru uses like fast food stores and pharmacies can co-exist in walkable communities. Examples given of drive-thru stores that have been designed to be contextually sensitive

1 minute read

September 30, 2016, 2:00 PM PDT

By fieldafm


Drive Thru

J.D.S / Shutterstock

"Debates are ranging across the country concerning drive-throughs and their impact on walkable communities. Many communities have outright banned them. Here's a guest article by Anthony Morando, Esq. LEED AP BD+C of New York's Cuddy & Feder LLP, answering the question if drive-throughs and walkable communities can co-exist.

There is a clear trend in planning and zoning to encourage pedestrian friendly access and walkability, particularly for communities throughout Westchester and the Hudson River Valley. This is not a surprise to anyone in the land use and real estate development fields. What does seem to be a surprise, however – at least to some municipalities – is that allowing drive-through facilities (dare I say, encouraging them in targeted locations) will not in and of itself jeopardize walkability. Indeed, drive-throughs and walkability can and should coexist."

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