The Mayfair Civic Association held a Zoom meeting on Monday night to consider a proposal by the McDonald’s at Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard.
In May 2019, McDonald’s appeared at a civic meeting asking for support for demolition and rebuilding of the restaurant.
Now, owner-operator Manish Shah wants to keep the building, but renovate it inside and outside. There will be an addition to the front and a smaller addition in the rear. The 42-year-old restaurant, which is considered a gateway to Mayfair, will have a modern, squared-off look.
The exterior will include more landscaping, and parking spaces will increase from 54 to 60.
Attorney Brett Feldman represents Shah. A hearing is scheduled in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustment on Sept. 22, at 9:30 a.m. The civic association is set to meet a night earlier.
In the meantime, McDonald’s will consider suggestions by residents. Recommendations included walls made of red brick or a more attractive stone.
Resident Pete McDermott commended Shah for the look of his restaurant at Castor Avenue and Napfle Street in Rhawnhurst.
Also mentioned was the entrance and exit along Cottman Avenue. Some consider it dangerous for eastbound Cottman Avenue motorists to turn left into the parking lot and for customers to turn left onto busy, two-way Cottman as they are leaving the restaurant.
Mary Bachert, a design engineer at Bohler, indicated that such left turns will be restricted by signs, but not physical barriers.
Following the meeting, members voted to not oppose the proposal, with provisos. ••
