Commissioners press staff on trip‑generation methods for Trader Joe’s/Chipotle redevelopment

Commissioners raised questions Sept. 10 about whether standard trip‑generation methods account for the popularity of an incoming Trader Joe’s and an app‑only Chipotle pickup window at the redeveloped 5117 Cedar Street site.

A commissioner asked whether the traffic study accounts for the popularity of Trader Joe’s relative to the former Randalls. Greg Reed, the Kimco representative, explained the studies performed and said: “the ITE, which is International Traffic Engineers trip generation works, it doesn't really generate a difference between a Randalls or Trader Joe's.” He added the project team ran a second transportation impact analysis that showed “almost no difference” between configurations with or without the drive‑through.

Commissioners pressed the point that ITE trip‑generation rates are based on land use type and square footage and do not differentiate a highly popular retailer from a less popular one. Staff said the city’s traffic consultant reviewed the trip‑generation report and did not anticipate traffic concerns for the proposed site, and noted the consultant considered the approved site plan for the full redevelopment footprint.

No transportation mitigation measures were adopted at the hearing; commissioners and staff discussed that conditions or time‑of‑operation limits (used on other local drive‑throughs) could be considered when the commission takes formal action.