Planning Commission Approves Drive-Through Starbucks on Arnold Drive

A proposed shopping center on Arnold Drive won unanimous approval from the Planning Commission on Tuesday despite neighborhood concerns about additional traffic and parking.

The proposed shopping center, which will include a drive-through Starbucks, a Verizon store and possibly a Staples office supply store, will be on a 1.5 acre site between Walmart and Home Depot. The site has been used for a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot over the years, and an occasional carnival.

At Tuesday’s meeting, several neighbors voiced concerns about additional traffic being added to the already busy intersection of Arnold and Shadow Falls drives.

“It’s a dangerous street to cross because of the speed of cars on Arnold Drive,” said Jan Boulingui, who said she is planning to move into a home on Shadow Falls Drive. “This is before we add five new tenants.”

Julia Halsne, president of the Village Oaks Homeowners Association, said she did not oppose the project but questioned the number of variances being asked for by developer Bill Schrader. They include requests for reduced parking and building setbacks.

Schrader agreed to replace a proposed eight-foot wooden fence around the site with a six-foot masonry wall planted with vines.

“We need to look at these variances,” she said. “Do they make sense? Do we need all of them?” She added that in her view the commission already had decided to support the project.

Several residents, including Steven Dean and Rich Paoli, told the commission they supported the project because it would allow them to shop locally.

“It looks like a very good plan,” said Marie Knudson. “It will create jobs and income.”

“This is a good project,” said commissioner Rachael Ford. “We really don’t have that many sites in Martinez that attract retail. I think it will be an improvement to the neighborhood.”

She noted that “most of the projects coming into this town need variances.”

“I think this is appropriate to the site and the area,” said commissioner Harriett Burt. “It’s done with design skill and I think it will be a good addition to Martinez.”