Taco Bell proposes move back to the Crossroads
Published on: Monday, June 1, 2015 Takoma Park Newsletter

Taco Bell proposes move back to the Crossroads

After vacating space to make way for the Transit Center at Takoma Langley Crossroads, Taco Bell is proposing a comeback, this time on Holton Lane, a block south of its original location.

Plans are underway for a 40-seat Taco Bell at the corner of New Hampshire Avenue and Holton Lane, in what is currently a parking lot in front of ALDI’s supermarket. According to the Crossroads Development Authority, the eatery would include some outdoor seating on the Holton Lane side of the building, free wi-fi and a drivethrough window. The drive-through would accommodate one car every two minutes during busy times, and according to Taco Bell consultants would have no effect on traffic flow on New Hampshire Avenue. The restaurant would also add islands of grass and trees to the existing ALDI’s parking lot.

A meeting to explain the proposal to the public was held at the Takoma Park Community Center in April, a mandatory requirement before the plans are formally submitted to the Montgomery County Planning Department. Once submitted, the Takoma Park City Council will have an opportunity to publicly weigh in on the proposal before it is reviewed by the Montgomery County Planning Board, likely in the fall.

The Taco Bell is owned by Texas-based franchise restaurant company MUY! Companies, which also owns Wendy’s and Pizza Hut locations. Representatives of the company presented their plans to the Crossroads Development Authority meeting of local businesses in May.

Some concern has been expressed by residential neighbors regarding traffic and litter around a new restaurant, as well as the drive-through aspect of the project in an area slated for more pedestrian-friendly development. City Council discussed the development standards affecting the Takoma Langley Crossroads area on May 26, including the City’s role and involvement in the development review process. The discussion can be accessed at www.takomaparkmd.gov/citycouncil/meetings.

MUY! hopes to break ground on the Taco Bell project later this year.

This article appeared in the June 2015 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.