The key focus of the meeting was the site plan request from Quber Coffee for a new drive-thru establishment at 12792 Riverdale Boulevard. The proposed location is strategically positioned at the south end of Riverdale Village, adjacent to a Vitamin Shop and near the former JC Penney building. The plan includes access from both River Rapids Drive and Riverdale Boulevard, with the former serving as the primary route for vehicles. This drive-thru-only facility will comprise two structures: a 510-square-foot service building for order fulfillment and a 410-square-foot storage building for ingredients.

The design of the coffee shop is tailored to provide an efficient drive-up service experience. Customers will place orders with baristas using iPads. The layout includes 24 stacking spaces distributed across two lanes, facilitating a streamlined vehicle flow. The anticipated staff numbers range from seven to ten per shift, with an increase to around 20 during peak periods such as the grand opening.

The exterior of the service building will use materials like nichiha fiber cement, which resembles brick, and will feature a beige and black color scheme. Due to zoning restrictions, the site may need a variance to allow for additional signage on the west side of the building. The overall design also incorporates landscaping with overstory trees and shrubs, meeting the city’s updated requirements.

Parking emerged as a contentious issue during the meeting. The project will result in a net loss of 15 parking spaces, raising concerns about the adequacy of parking for the new establishment. Despite this, the commission appeared supportive, acknowledging the existing surplus of parking spaces within Riverdale Village. The applicant, Zach Hang from JLL Brokerage, assured the commission that Quber Coffee plans to manage traffic efficiently, especially during high-volume events like the grand opening.

In addition to Quber Coffee, the commission also discussed a site plan for another coffee shop, Seven Brew Coffee. This proposal highlighted the operational layout where baristas would engage customers directly at their vehicles. The shop’s hours of operation will extend from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on weekends. The commission reviewed the site’s compliance with dark sky lighting regulations and its environmental considerations.

A public hearing segment revealed communication gaps between the property manager of Riverdale Village and the applicants, with concerns raised about the lack of information shared regarding the development. The commission acknowledged this lapse, emphasizing the need for better coordination between property owners and tenants in the future.

Despite the communication issues and parking concerns, the commission ultimately approved the site plan with conditions. This approval comes with the understanding that any changes, requiring more than 30% alterations, would necessitate further review by the planning commission.

The meeting concluded with updates on other proposed developments, including a planned unit development, a preliminary plat request for single-family homes at Balcony Farms, and a new Asian grocery store proposed for the former Wells Fargo building. The session ended with unanimous agreement to adjourn.