Good morning, Walnut Creek! Last night, the City Council approved a new Chick-fil-A at Citrus Marketplace, corner of Oak Grove and Citrus Avenue. After a 5-hour public hearing, the appeal was denied. This Chick-fil-A will offer dine-in and takeout only, with no drive-thru.

Why does this matter? Learn how this decision addresses traffic issues and what it means for our community. Plus, get details on the council's congestion plan.

In today’s Walnut Creek Spotlight:

• Tasty Thursday - Rooftop

• Walnut Creek City Council Approves Restaurant Project

• Fitness 19 in Walnut Creek Shuts Down Permanently

• 80s Music at Dan’s and Retro Junkie

- Walnut Creek Spotlight Team

P.S. Remember our birthday shoutouts when you refer two people to our newsletter! 🥳

TASTY THURSDAY

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

News Release: Walnut Creek City Council Approves Restaurant Project

Council denies appeal to Planning Commission’s Decision that approved a conditional use permit for a proposed Chick-fil-A

The Walnut Creek City Council took action to help mitigate traffic concerns about a proposed restaurant in the Citrus Marketplace Shopping Center on the corner of Oak Grove and Citrus Avenue. In a public hearing that spanned more than 5 hours, early this morning (May 22, 2024) the Council denied an appeal filed by a resident of a nearby neighborhood. The Chick-fil-A restaurant will be unusual for that chain, as it will have no drive-thru service, only dine-in or takeout. The new 5,300 square foot restaurant will replace a vacant 8,200 square foot building in the shopping center that has seen a number of vacancies in recent years.

There is an existing Chick-fil-A along North Main Street south of Geary Blvd. that has been the subject of complaints because its drive-thru line often queues up onto North Main Street. The new concept is intended to help alleviate that situation.

The project was reviewed by the City’s Design Review Commission in 2023 and approved by the Planning Commission in March of 2024. A resident in the nearby Woodlands neighborhood filed an appeal citing a variety of concerns, with potential traffic issues being the most significant.  The City commissioned a licensed traffic engineering firm to evaluate the concerns about impact to neighborhood traffic. They compared data based upon other Chick-fil-A locations, as well as evaluating current conditions at the intersection. Two other shopping centers are in the same area.

The project met all of the zoning requirements for the shopping center, which is privately owned. The Council took note of the specific concerns from neighbors in the Woodlands community, and adopted requirements to monitor and improve traffic and congestion issues should they occur.

Fitness 19 in Walnut Creek Shuts Down Permanently

Fitness 19 in Walnut Creek has permanently closed, transferring memberships to Vim + Vigor Fitness in Concord. The closure leaves the space at 1853 Ygnacio Valley Road vacant, with the future use of the location still unknown. Other gyms in Walnut Creek, such as Crunch, Planet Fitness, and LifeTime, remain available to local residents.

EVENTS

Theatre

Grease Musical Brings Nostalgic Fun to Walnut Creek

Poison Apple Productions' "Grease" will be performed by teens aged 13-18 at the Lesher Center for the Arts from May 23 to May 26, 2024. The show, featuring classic songs and a story that has captivated audiences for decades, promises an entertaining and nostalgic experience. Tickets

Best of San Francisco Stand Up Comedy: @ Lesher Center of the Arts - 2/24 - 8/31 on Saturdays. Tickets

Community

Bingo Drop-In (Seniors) | Civic Park Community Center - Thursdays at 12 PM

Native Plant Growers | Civic Park Community Center - Fridays at 11 AM

Farmer’s Market Walnut Creek | Locust St - Sundays at 9 AM | The Walnut Creek Market, open Sundays 9 am-1 pm year-round on Locust Street, offers local produce, supports sustainability, and provides free first-hour parking at Grower’s Square; only certified service animals are allowed.

Diablo Valley Farmers’ Market | Shadelands - Saturdays at 9 AM | Located in Walnut Creek's Shadelands Business Park, the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market, open Saturdays 9 AM to 1 PM with over 40 vendors, features fresh Brentwood produce, a Kid’s Craft Corner, and is a family favorite, having been voted #1 in America’s Favorite Farmers’ Market contest.

👉 CLICK TO SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR 👈

LIVE MUSIC & DANCE

Line Dancing Lessons | Bourbon Highway - Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday at 8 PM. Watch Video

Thursday

Throwback Thursdays | Thursday, May 22 | 9 PM | Dan’s Irish Sports Bar | 90s and 00s with DJ Rich Era

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