HomeMy WebLinkAboutLuellen ltr - Item 4A - DP-2025-0006Mark Luellen
1786 S. Araby Drive
Palm Springs, CA 92264
marknsf98@gmail.com
415 290 0735
Date: July 7, 2025
City of Palm Springs Planning Commission
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Re: Opposition to Major Development Permit Application DP-2025-0006 (In-N-Out
Burger, 1801 East Palm Canyon Drive)
Dear Planning Commissioners,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed development at 1801 East Palm
Canyon Drive for a new In-N-Out Burger restaurant and drive-thru facility (Case
DP-2025-0006). While I support thoughtful development in our city, I believe this project is ill-
suited to the site and will negatively impact our community in several ways.
1. Increased Traffic Congestion
The addition of a high-volume fast-food drive-thru in an already busy corridor will significantly
worsen traffic along East Palm Canyon Drive and surrounding streets. The site plan
acknowledges that Smoke Tree Lane will need to be widened and restriped to accommodate
anticipated vehicle queuing, a clear indicator of the disruptive traffic patterns this business will
create. Despite the conclusions of the Traffic Impact Analysis, local residents are well aware that
this area already experiences significant congestion, especially during weekends and peak dining
hours. This project will exacerbate those problems and create additional hazards for pedestrians
and cyclists attempting to navigate the area.
2. Air Pollution from Idling Vehicles
The drive-thru design anticipates queuing space for up to 42 vehicles, which would result in a
near-constant flow of idling cars emitting exhaust fumes. This is of particular concern in our
desert climate, where poor air quality can have serious health implications for residents,
especially children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions. The project materials fail to
adequately address how air pollution from vehicle idling will be mitigated.
3. No Community Need for Additional Fast-Food Establishments
The surrounding area is already well-served by fast-food and casual dining options, including
several drive-thrus. This project does not meet a demonstrated unmet need in the community, nor
does it enhance the unique character of the Smoke Tree commercial district. Rather than
supporting small businesses or community-serving uses that reflect the city’s identity, this
proposal represents the further proliferation of generic, high-traffic national chains that do little
to contribute to the vibrancy or sustainability of our neighborhoods.
In light of these concerns, I respectfully urge you to deny approval of Major Development Permit
DP-2025-0006. Palm Springs deserves development that supports livability, environmental
responsibility, and community character—not one that undermines them for the sake of another
fast-food outlet.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Mark Luellen