March 7, 2024 – Grafton, WI – The Plan Commission in the Village of Grafton is reportedly courting a popular chicken restaurant that has its sights set on opening in 2025.
Village President Daniel Delorit confirmed a Chick-fil-A has expressed interest in the community, with test marketing already underway through a visiting food truck. But he said there’s a lot of work to be done before neighbors get their orders in place.
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“Absolutely, Chick-fil-A would be welcomed in Grafton,” said Delorit. However, he noted the process would begin with a Planned Unit Development (PUD) due to setback questions on the property.
The concept plan is expected to be reviewed by the Planning Commission later this month with further discussions to follow.
Early indications are surrounding businesses are receiving letters from the Village regarding the proposed development. There has been some rumbling about possibly razing a building, however nothing has been confirmed.
Delorit said one of the changes he’s working on is to amend zoning ordinances to allow for quick-service restaurants on specific roads.
“We review our comprehensive plan every year and one of the suggestions I made is there is a zoning ordinance, which says we can’t have fast food on Port Washington Road or on Highway 60,” said Delorit.
“I’ve come out for removing that part of the code that says we can’t have them out there. Frankly, we have a McDonald’s. There was a Dairy Queen out there many years ago that had a drive thru and then Starbucks has a drive thru. So, to me, the mold has been broken and that boat has left the dock. We might as well come to the idea that that’s an appropriate place for quick service restaurants.”
Delorit emphasized the importance of following the proper process and for neighbors to understand they don’t want to get too far out over their skis. “The process is the Planning Commission will look at a concept plan or look at the actual plans,” he said.
The Village’s next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for March 26, where the Chick-fil-A concept plan may be discussed.
Early indications are the site in question is at 1346 N. Port Washington Road in Grafton. According to Village Trustee Clark Evans the proposal would “include a Chick-fil-a and bank-to-be-named-later.”
The Village of Grafton Plan Commission regularly scheduled meetings are the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
This is a working story, and more information will be posted when details are available.
