Are Drive-Thru Stores Appropriate For Walkable Neighborhoods?

"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."