TUSTIN : Happy Meals and Angry Neighbors

Despite the protests of angry homeowners, the City Council has given unanimous approval for a McDonald’s drive-through restaurant next to a residential area of Tustin Ranch.

Neighbors argued at the council meeting this week that the fast-food establishment would adversely affect property values, attract unruly customers, and be a source of noise, traffic congestion, glaring light, litter and objectionable smells.

The restaurant will be built at the southeast corner of Bryan Avenue and Tustin Ranch Road, near a K mart store.

“We like McDonald’s, but we don’t like it across from our patio,” said Martin Gelband, one of the speakers during a public hearing that lasted more than three hours Tuesday.

Another speaker, Aaron Morris, asked: “Out of all the businesses that could go into this location, do we really need another fast-food restaurant?”

Council members countered that the restaurant is in conformance with the East Tustin Specific Plan, and that design changes--including a higher berm and a setback of at least 21 feet--will help ease some of the problems.

“You can’t spot zone,” said Councilman Jim Potts, noting that the city could open itself to a lawsuit if McDonald’s were not allowed to open at the site.

“You would prefer to have two trees and a wildflower at that location for as long as you live there,” Councilman Michael J. Doyle told the audience at the hearing.

The restaurant’s plans call for 50 indoor seats, 54 outdoor seats and a children’s play area. The project was approved last month by the Planning Commission, then forwarded to the council after a resident appealed the commission’s decision.