On Tuesday evening, March 15, a group of Skinker-DeBalivere residents met with four representatives of Church’s Fried Chicken, Inc.
Earlier, it had been learned by Alderman Vince Schoemehl and Cal Stuart that Church’s had purchased the lot at the southeast corner of Skinker and Delmar (location of the Moter Station) with the intention of putting in a fast food establishment. When this plan was first aired, there appeared to be strong local opposition. Concerns were voiced with regards to loitering, litter and especially the potential increase in traffic. Because of these concerns, the meeting between the Church’s representatives and neighborhood residents was held.
The spokesmen for Church’s presented their plan for utilization of the property. Present plans are to remodel the existing structure, remove the pump islands and canopies, and make some additions. These would include:
1. Some landscaping with trees and shrubs.
2. A sign TWENTY FEET HIGH.
3. A drive-through window with outside buzzer.
Referring to their experiences at other locations, both Mr. Lynch and Mr. Black felt that loitering or unrulyness on the premises would not be a problem. Mr. Lynch indicated . that they always had good police protection and response since they offer a 50% discount to any on duty police officer. Residents at the meeting were also assured that litter would also be severely dealt with. Church’s would send out employees to scour the area in order to find any litter emanating from “their restaurant.”
Many concerns were again voiced about the number of outside people that would be attracted to the area and the problems that would be created. Traffic problems would be increased in the opinion of many residents. There especially the potential of increased traffic on 6100 blocks of Westminster and Washington since it is impossible to turn east on to Delmar when driving south on . Skinker.
Despite the questions raised at the meeting and the grave misgivings of area residents Church’s plan to build their establishment.
It was even suggested that there be a ninety day moratorium on any further plans in order to attempt to resolve some of the stated problems. Mr. Lynch said, “regardless of whether you people like it or not, Church’s is going to build on that corner.” Mr. Lynch stated that they had “friends” downtown and that they had not been stopped by local opposition in the past. It appears that the profit motive is overshadowing any corporate conscience.
Originally published in The Paper, April 1977.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Printed Moter Station, unrulyness and incomplete traffic sentence retained.
Original source: SD_Times1977_04.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
