Scooter’s near Ninth and Van Dorn moves closer to reality, but not everyone is amped

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln City Council approved a zoning amendment on Monday that would allow for a Scooter’s drive-thru coffee shop to be built near Ninth and Van Dorn Streets.

The current zoning agreement would only allow for office space, but the amendment would allow drive-thru restaurants.

The location developers plan to build on is north of the new AutoZone, off of Hill Street and between Ninth and 10th Streets.

Residents across the street from the proposed Scooter’s are concerned that the new shop will cause more traffic on the small Hill Street.

One resident, Dorothy Zordel, still upset over what occurred during the construction of the AutoZone, doesn’t want any more construction — especially not another coffee shop.

“We’ve got a Scooter’s down at 33rd and one up on 14th,” she said. “What in the Sam Hill do we need another coffee shop, especially in a neighborhood? It used to be very nice.”

Developers were originally planning to have multiple drive-thru restaurants in that lot but changed the plan after the AutoZone was built.

“Overall, this agreement, which could’ve allowed 7,400 square feet is now only going to be 600 square feet of drive-thru restaurant uses: the small coffee shop,” said Steve Henrichsen, development review manager for the City Planning Department. “Because the south part is being operated now by the AutoZone, which is not a drive-thru restaurant.”

The council voted 5-0 in favor of amending the zoning agreement.

The proposal now goes to Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird’s desk for approval.