Drive-thru Restaurants, a Possibility in Honeoye Falls

HONEOYE FALLS — The Village of Honeoye Falls is considering changing their code to allow for drive thru restaurants in the Village of Honeoye Falls.

The Village Board meeting room was at capacity, filled with residents who spoke very eloquently both for and against the issue. Currently, the Village code does not permit restaurants with drive-thru windows.

“I appreciated the respect all had for one another. I would like to see positive business development, and I believe we can still allow for some drive-thru type facilities and not destroy our Village character,” said Richard Milne, Mayor for the Village of Honeoye Falls. “Even with this potential development, I still fully support the idea to “brand” our village and develop it into a destination spot that focuses on arts, culture, music, and more.”

According to officials, the code allowing for drive thru restaurants is currently being developed.

“I hope to have very stringent requirements on building design to keep all buildings within desired Village character,” said Mayor Milne.

There is no anticipated public hearing or vote about the code at the September 16 Board of Trustees meeting, however the Village Facebook page states that no vote can occur without a public hearing.

“My goal is to have the code prepared for discussion with the trustees,” said Mayor Milne. “The Village of Honeoye Falls is in the midst of its comprehensive plan design and it’s a topic that has long been discussed.”

A public survey has recently been conducted  in which the specific question of drive-thru restaurants was discussed. The vote was just about half.

“There are many residents that do want to allow this type of business and certainly others that do not,” said Mayor Milne.

According to officials, Dunkin Donuts has shown interest in coming to Honeoye Falls.

“The business has officially approached the Planning and Zoning Boards, and I am not sure if we can wait to move on potential businesses until the comprehensive plan process is completed,” said Milne.

This process is estimated to be completed in six to eight months.

“Just because we are in this process does not mean that there is a moratorium on business development or that government must stand still,” said Milne.