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The Clay Town Board has voted against a proposal to build a new McDonald's in the Wegmans Plaza on Taft Road, following significant opposition from community members. The decision was made during a meeting on Wednesday (September 3), where the board addressed concerns about potential traffic issues in the already busy area.
Residents have been vocal about their worries for over a year, citing the possibility of increased traffic congestion as a major concern. Despite an advisor hired by McDonald's suggesting that the traffic impact would be minimal, the community's concerns prevailed. According to CNY Central, this location would have been the fifth McDonald's within a five-mile radius.
The proposal had been a hot topic at several town meetings, drawing larger crowds than usual. WSYR-TV reported that attendees applauded the board's decision, with residents like Deborah Errante expressing relief. "It’s not just a McDonald’s, because this is your community and everyone has a voice," Errante said.
The board's decision reflects the community's influence in local development matters. As reported by FingerLakes1.com, the McDonald's representative had previously indicated they might withdraw the proposal if opposition continued. The board's ruling aligns with residents' concerns about maintaining safety and managing traffic effectively in the area.