Lake County Gazette

The Lake Forest City Council has given the green light for a new Starbucks outlet, complete with a drive-through, to be established on the southeast corner of Waukegan and Everett Roads. The decision includes waiving a first reading and approving the site plan.

According to the Lake Forest City Council agenda for its March 4 meeting, the Lake Forest Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval of the special use permit. This permit would authorize Starbucks to operate with a drive-through and also endorsed the site plan.

The same source reveals that since Pasquesi Home and Garden and a gas station previously located on the site closed down, the property has remained vacant. Past redevelopment proposals for this larger site included retail development and a drug store which were approved. However, plans featuring a car wash were rejected while those involving a medical building and Starbucks were approved. A recent proposal entailing a multi-family residential building along with Starbucks was withdrawn before being replaced with this phased development proposal.

As per the March 4 meeting agenda of Lake Forest City Council, it is planned that Starbucks will feature a double drive-through lane capable of accommodating up to 15 cars. Drive-throughs necessitate obtaining a special use permit as per the city's planning and development code.