L. NAZARETH TWP., Pa. – The “golden arches” are looking to add a new location in Northampton County.
The Lower Nazareth Township Planning Commission reviewed preliminary/final subdivision and land development approval for a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant Monday night at the municipal building.
The proposed McDonald’s is offering a 3,750-square-foot facility on a 1.24-acre site at 859 Nazareth Pike. The restaurant will be located within Nazareth Plaza, adjacent to the Giant food store. The facility is slated to accommodate 38 people and provide 35 parking spaces.
Officials associated with project Monday night said the company is emphasizing efficient drive-thru ordering and delivery over in-facility dining. As such, the restaurant features two drive-thru lanes next to the building, which merge into a single lane for order pickup. Following a sketch plan review last November, the township advised the restaurant to design the outside lane for 12 feet in width, with the inside lane slated for 10 feet. This was required by township ordinance.
Other sketch plans discussion involved whether the company should erect curbing in the drive-thru lanes. McDonald’s said it typically employs painted lines. The painted lines do not create safety issues and curbing could be damaged if driven over by delivery trucks. Finally, the design calls for 65.5% impervious surface. The township code allows 70%.
McDonald’s officials acknowledged Monday night that the plan needed revisions and did not seek a formal recommendation. Planners did approve various waivers associated with the project.