City Council Approves Taco Bell Project

Taco Bell was welcomed back to Richfield Tuesday night by the city council.

Following a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a conditional use permit and several variance requests, allowing Border Foods, Inc. to convert the former Burger King location at 140 E. 78th St.

Menards real estate representative Tyler Edwards was on hand to share his company's objections to the proposed site plan. As previously reported by Patch, in two letters dated April 16 and May 1, and at the April 22 Richfield Planning Commission public hearing, Menards spoke against the proposed project. Much of the concerns centered around the aesthetics of the building and site.

Read: Taco Bell Hopes to Return to Richfield in Former Burger King Spot

"We don’t oppose Taco Bell building there," Edwards told the council Tuesday night. "We just oppose the aesthetics. ... The city is just getting the standard [Taco Bell] model."

The council appreciated Edwards' comments, however, Council Member Edwina Garcia said:

"I think this is a tough situation. ... We can’t deny a business based on that. From the information that Taco Bell has submitted, I think that they have met the standards that the city requires."

Richfield Community Development Director John Stark said city staff had been working with Border Foods, Inc. for several months to make the best possible site and design plan.

"What the council is looking at, and what Mr. Edwards is looking at, is not what was initially provided to us," he said. "There was a lot of negotiations."

Council Member Pat Elliott expressed his concern about some of the ambiguity when it came to the variance requests, and of course, the parking lot.

Stark agreed that the city had a mixed track record when it came to figuring out appropriate parking requirements, however, he believed that was unique to multi-use sites. With Taco Bell being a single site, he believed it would be sufficient.

Taco Bell did not announce an intended opening date Tuesday. Richfield Patch will update readers as more information becomes available.

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Other related articles:

• Taco Bell Hopes to Return to Richfield in Former Burger King Spot
• Burger King Shutters Doors
• Burger King Sues City For Menards Decision
• Menards Triumphs In 'Battle' With Burger King
• Richfield City Officials Express Concerns About Menards Redevelopment Plans