Should fast food restaurants be allowed in downtown Wilmington?

WILMINGTON, NC (StarNews) — A fast-food restaurant in the heart of historic downtown?

That could be a possibility, but far from a guarantee, under a proposed amendment to the development code that would allow fast-food and carry-out businesses in a section of historic downtown district by special-use permit. A single applicant, possibly pursuing a coffee shop-type business, submitted the amendment.

At a community meeting Thursday, city planning staff talked with more than 40 residents about the proposal and what it would mean for those who live and frequent downtown. The area in question, which was specifically determined by the applicant not the city, runs roughly from Third Street east between Seventh and Eighth streets, and from Chestnut Street south to Dock Street, according to a map posted at the meeting.

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