Council approves special-use permit to convert former Wendy’s into bank; one councilmember opposed

The City of Murphy council voted Aug. 4 to approve an ordinance granting a specific-use permit (SUP) to operate a bank at the former Wendy’s site on West FM 544 (Lot 2R, Block A, Walmart replat). Planning staff told council that banks require an SUP in that planned development district and that the Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended approval at its July 14 meeting; staff noted the SUP request did not include a final site plan and that any site-plan details would return to council for subsequent approval.

Tommy Man, speaking for Fifth Third Bank, described the proposal as a conversion of the existing Wendy’s building into a full-service branch and asked council to follow staff and Planning & Zoning recommendations. "We did receive recommendations of approval from the city staff and from the planning and zoning commission, and obviously, would respectfully request you go by those recommendations," Man said. He added the bank would work with the adjacent QuickCar operation if needed to address potential operational conflicts.

Council discussion centered on access and traffic flow through the connected parking lots, the effect on nearby QuickCar operations and local sales-tax generation. The mover (a councilmember) made the motion to adopt the ordinance; after the vote the chair said the motion passed with Councilmember Elizabeth Abraham recorded in opposition.

The SUP approval authorizes the bank use; the applicant must return with a site plan and any design adjustments (including the proposed fire-lane extension and parking reconfiguration) before construction or rebranding proceeds.