At a planning commission meeting held in mid-November, commissioners voted to approve an overlay zone bounded by Prospect Road and Lawrence Expressway after it received recommendation from the city council.

The overlay zone would allow business owners to establish drive-through services in designated areas. It would also give a potential client, Krispy Kreme, an opportunity to open its doors where Warehouse Records used to be at 18578 Prospect Road.

The area currently has two drive-through establishments— Jack in the Box and Westgate Classic Car Wash, both of which are in the city of San Jose.

Mayor Ann Waltonsmith said she does not see a negative impact on the area if the city decides to vote in favor of the overlay zoning ordinance. However, she said that it would be a bit of a challenge finding enough space for drive-through services since the area is relatively tight.

"If San Jose can do it, why can't we?" she said.

John Machada, who spoke on behalf of the owners of Westgate Corner Shopping Center, said that Krispy Kreme would attract more local as well as nonlocal residents to the area, thus boosting business for nearby tenants. Machada said that the neighboring businesses are in need of a boost since some business was lost when Warehouse Records left the site several months ago.

Gary Hansen, a local commercial broker of 27 years, urged the city council to expedite the process for an overlay zone during a meeting held in October when the issue was first presented. He said that not only would Krispy Kreme provide more business to the area, it would also draw in more potential tenants.

According to Hansen, Krispy Kreme is one of the highest ranking retail fast food establishment in the U.S.

Brad Bruckman, the chain's area developer for Northern California, who spoke at the council meeting, alluded to the fact that Krispy Kreme is not only known for its donuts, but also for its contribution to local community organizations. According to Bruckman, Krispy Kreme helped raise approximately $43 million throughout the state last year.

Planning Director Tom Sullivan said that the proposal to allow drive-through establishments must satisfy two conditions: it must be compatible with the surrounding environment and must not be detrimental to the public's health and safety.

In response to some planning commissioners' concern about traffic congestion, Sullivan said that "drive-through establishments would most likely not create cut-through traffic because the proposed location is on an arterial road."

Planning Commissioner Rutshi Zutshi agreed with Sullivan, saying that residents and commuters would not be impacted by drive-through businesses since the area is mainly commercial.

The issue will be discussed in further detail during a public hearing at a city council meeting. Should the council decide to move forward with the overlay zone, Krispy Kreme would have to go back to the planning commission for design review.