There will be no ban on new drive thru's in the City of St. Paul, at least until next year as the St. Paul City Council considers a ban.
The idea has been to ease congestion in areas where lines block major intersections and cause traffic jams.
Two local Macalester college students say a ban would help them feel safer walking on city streets.
"Walking past the Starbucks drive thru on the corner of Marshall and Snelling, I was nearly hit by a car passing by the exit lane," one student tells WCCO Radio. "This kind of close call isn't rare and it highlights just how much drivers create hazards for pedestrians. Drivers are often focused on reentering traffic quickly and don't expect or look for people walking by."
Detractors say that if the ordinance is passed that it could hurt small businesses in the city. Ward 6 Councilmember Nelsie Yang says it's important to consider that some residents rely on drive-thru's.
"The drive thru's do provide convenience. If any of you have had to care for little kids or an elderly person, or maybe you are somebody with disabilities," explained Yang.
In 2019, the Minneapolis City Council passed a similar ban on new drive-thru's becoming the first city of its size in the U.S. to do so.
But as for St. Paul, following the hearing the City Council pushed a decision until at least September of next year while a traffic study and more public input are considered.