Fast-Food Restaurant Considered for Vacant Lochmoor Site

The weed-choked, vacant lot of the former Lochmoor Chrysler car dealership could be converted to the site of a new fast-food restaurant. A hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Building for a special land use request.

The dealership, at 18201 Mack Ave. at Canyon Street, closed in October 2009 when Chrysler downsized its dealerships nationwide. It's pretty much been empty since, but in the last few months the site has become unkempt with weeds growing to the size of small trees around what used to be a showroom, as well as around the lot and former new car storage area. 

According to a notice posted on the door, the hearing scheduled for Wednesday is to consider a request for a fast-food restaurant by Frank Martin. Attempts to reach Martin or the site's owners, the Russos, were not successful Tuesday. 

However, an email shared with Patch from a resident reveals the plans are for McDonald's to open a new concept eatery. The only traditional fast-food restaurant in the Pointes is Wendy's in Grosse Pointe Farms. Though the site is technically in Detroit, the area is frequented by Grosse Pointers and visible to many residents. 

Patch is waiting for a return call from a representative from McDonald's Corp.

Special land use hearings are set by Detroit building officials after a site plan has been submitted to city officials and residents and businesses within 300 feet of the site are notified by mail. The hearing is intended to allow the public to offer their comment about the project and to ask questions.

The information is then taken under advisement for about two to three weeks before a decision is issued, according to the city of Detroit's website. If approved, businesses still must then apply for a business license, according to the site.