Taco Bout a Rejection! Coconut Creek Shelves Taco Bell Plan Over Traffic and Teen Troubles

by David Volz August 25, 2024

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Coconut Creek residents can sleep soundly knowing their neighborhood will remain a Taco Bell-free zone—at least for now.

In a spicy turn of events on August 22, the Coconut Creek City Commission unanimously voted to quash plans for a new Taco Bell on the south side of Sawgrass Boulevard at 6061 Lyons Road, leaving taco lovers in a state of mild despair.

Following a lengthy meeting on August 22, the commission unanimously voted against the developer’s request for a site plan for a proposed Taco Bell restaurant with a drive-through.

During the public comment phase, residents strongly opposed the proposed restaurant. Significant concerns raised included a dramatic increase in traffic and noise.

Some speakers expressed concern about teenagers loitering near Taco Bell, fearing it would attract rodents and decrease the value of surrounding properties.

A representative from Taco Bell said the project met all the city’s code requirements and would be a good business for Coconut Creek.

Commissioner John Brodie did not believe Taco Bell is compatible with the community and that it would bring vagrants to the area.

“I have to listen to the community and hear what they are saying,” he said. “We have a responsibility for the safety of our residents.”

Vice Mayor Jackie Railey said her main concern is doing the right thing for residents. “What I can’t get past is our kids and the traffic. We are already having problems on Lyons Road,” she said.

The commission voted unanimously against the Taco Bell site plan. After the vote, residents who spoke out against the restaurant cheered.

But don’t despair, fast food enthusiasts; there’s always the option to drive over to Coral Springs for a late-night taco fix.

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David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.