In a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around the approval of a new King Taco restaurant in Whittier, with a focus on operational hours, noise management, and parking arrangements. The restaurant has voluntarily limited its hours of operation to 8:30 PM to 11 PM, despite being permitted to operate until midnight. This decision was praised as beneficial for the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Concerns regarding noise were addressed, particularly from the restaurant's trash pickup and general operations. A maintenance agreement will ensure that the property remains clean and free of litter, with specific conditions outlined for regular trash collection. Council members expressed confidence in King Taco's management, citing the company's reputation for quality service.
Traffic management was another key topic, with assurances that the restaurant would not feature a drive-through, thus mitigating potential congestion issues similar to those experienced at other popular fast-food locations. The establishment will provide a total of 32 parking spaces, meeting city code requirements, with designated areas for both customers and employees to minimize impact on nearby residences.
Additionally, the council approved a resolution allowing retired Parks Manager Mike Montoya to return on a limited-term basis to assist with specific tasks related to private development plan reviews. This decision was made to address immediate staffing needs while the city recruits for Montoya's former position.
Overall, the council expressed optimism about the positive impact of King Taco on the community, viewing it as a significant step towards revitalizing the area along Whittier Boulevard.