Marple Commissioners Approve Plan for McDonald’s Renovation, Expansion

BROOMALL–The Board of Commissioners on Monday night unanimously approved a preliminary final land development plan to remodel and expand the existing .

The approved plan calls for a 471-square-foot addition and renovations to the fast food restaurant at 2601 West Chester Pike.

Site improvements will include an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) upgrade, adding a second drive-through lane–side-by-side the existing drive-through–in order to improve traffic circulation, and more landscaping around the perimeter of the restaurant.

The board’s approval, including waivers, is subject to six conditions which were stated in the board’s approved resolution about the land development plan:

1. Existing wooden site fencing is to be replaced with 6-foot vinyl fencing.
2. An evergreen landscaping buffer will be installed along the new fencing, as approved by the Marple Township Code Department.
3. The existing dumpster enclosure is to remain at its existing location.
4. The applicant agrees to a $2,500 contribution to Township MS4 Storm Water Fund in lieu of installation of storm water management controls outlined in waiver requests.
5. The applicant agrees to contribute $2,500 to the Township Traffic Signal Fund for maintenance/upgrades to the West Chester Pike/Sproul Road traffic signal.
6. The applicant agrees to contribute $1,500 to the Township Recreation Fund.

At the about the additional drive-through lane being close to a residential area. 

But before the vote at Monday night’s meeting, Rufo said, “I will commend McDonald’s for working with us. They’ve done a lot with us.”

Rufo said what he wanted to accomplish for the neighbors was adding new fencing, shrubbery and tree-work to McDonald’s site as part of the renovation, and he thought that had been accomplished.

Fourth Ward Commissioner and Board Vice President John Lucas said, “There were specific issues Mr. Rufo wanted to see done…and he stayed on to make sure they were taken care of.”

Sixth Ward Commissioner and Board President Michael Molinaro said McDonald’s generates revenue for the township and also employs township residents.

“As long as they have been in Marple Township, they’ve been great neighbors,” Molinaro said.

The owner of the eatery hopes to have the remodeled site completed in April, sometime between the middle and the end of the month, the owner said at the board’s meeting last week.

In other business, the board unanimously approved the creation of a non-union public works supervisor position and then in another unanimous vote, appointed William Creighton to the position at an annual salary of $65,000.