COLUMBUS, Ind. — Developers are moving ahead with plans for a new Kentucky Fried Chicken location on Columbus’s west side.
The Columbus Plan Commission has voted to approve KBP Brands’ final Planned Unit Development plan for the restaurant, which would be located at a property on the north side of Merchant’s Mile, about 400 feet west of Johnson Boulevard. The vote was 9-2, with commissioners Julie Abedian and Barry Kastner opposing the motion after expressing concerns about proposed signage for the development.
According to a report from planning staff, applicants plan to build a 2,200 square foot restaurant and drive-thru on Lot 8B-A of Columbus Crossing. This vacant property is just west of Belle Tire and south of Holiday Inn.
The commission discussed the request at its May meeting but ultimately chose to table it. At the time, city officials said that landscaping, building design, and drive-access were specific areas to address, in addition to some other technical questions.
In an updated report, planning department staff wrote that KBP Brands has modified its proposal. The changes include documentation about the screening of rooftop mechanical equipment, additional architectural relief on the east and west façades, a slight adjustment to the drive entrance and additional landscaping.
The plan commission’s approval included requirements for KBP Brands to address outstanding comments from the city’s engineering and utility departments and provide documentation about its compliance with the required flood protection grade. The property is located in the 500 year floodplain.
For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
