French fries for all: McDonald’s coming to Morgan
Jul 10, 2023 10:07AM ● By Olivia Rees
Residents in Morgan have surely noticed the ongoing construction around Ridleys and heard whispers of a franchise coming to Morgan. Early summer of 2022, an independent company approached the city after completing a marketing and financial analysis for the possibility of housing a McDonald’s franchise in Morgan City. As Teresa Shope with Planning and Zoning Department of Morgan City explained, “McDonald’s franchise liked what they saw on the analysis and chose to submit a development application in August of 2022. The development required several applications and reviews consisting of but not limited to; Civil plans, a lot line adjustment, conditional use permit, FEMA application, elevation certificates, UDOT application approval, dedication of sidewalk and turn lane on Industrial Road, development agreement, etc.”
Morgan City Mayor Steve Gale commented, “We don’t take a vote from residents to find out what business we’d like to bring in.” Gale has heard of cities sending invitations to businesses but does not perceive it as the best strategy. The key is McDonald’s has fulfilled the requirements, others have inquired in the past, none have taken the needed steps yet. One way we vote is how spend our dollars as individuals, and on food-related businesses you could say our tastebuds do the voting!”
“There are laws in place to protect residents, such as locations for sit down, serve, alcoholic drinks establishments, etc. McDonald’s followed the process to bring a restaurant, drive-thru, to our city,” continued Gale. “Opinions float around, it’s just that until permits are approved. On strictly the tax money that will be brought in is a benefit, traffic concerns could be a test.”
By the end of January, a building permit application was received which the review process included modifications to meet International Building Code, City Code, and City standards. After a few resubmittals, the building permit was approved in April of this year and issued in May. Morgan City Staff and engineer met with the general contractor and the project engineer for a pre-construction meeting shortly after the building permit was issued. Construction started June 5 with the project engineer stating they anticipate completion this fall.
As Gale concluded, “My hope as the mayor is that all businesses in the city prosper.” λ
