Fast food restaurant construction slows to sub-Sonic pace ...
The thousands of people who drive North Third Street in Bardstown are probably wondering the same question I have recently: "What's the deal with the new Sonic Drive-in restaurant?"
Commercial buildings like these usually seem to go up quickly. The lot was prepped and automated curbing machinery laid down the concrete curbs around the restaurant's lot.
The foundation was poured and construction began weeks ago. According to the Gazette's sources, a small crew worked quickly to get the building framed up, using metal studs throughout rather than large steel or wooden beams. The metal skeleton was sheeted with heavy sheeting,
But construction ground to a halt, and the uncompleted building simply sat there. According to more than one source, officials from the joint city-county planning commission stopped the construction on more than one occasion.
The main issue apparently has been the construction method of the building itself. The steel "2x4s" don't offer the structural strength of wood or larger steel beams. The heavy exterior sheeting provided strength and rigidity to the structure.
Employees of nearby businesses cited the construction halt as another example of "too much government interference."
"With the problems they've had with the zoning board, they probably feel like Bardstown doesn't like new businesses coming in," one business owner said. "I think I would think twice about coming here too after that."
Work has continuned inside the Sonic building while the exteior remains unfinished.
Interior work on the restaurant has continued. The windows have been installed and electrical and plumbng work is underway or complete. The businesses sign was also brought in and installed -- at ground level.
The exterior of the building remains unfinished, with one partial strip of tyvek moisture barrier tacked in place. Recent winds have blown the barrier loose from the building in several spots.
Many of those who commented on Sonic's problems felt it was another issue of too much government interference. Several people linked Sonic's troubles to those faced by the owner of the Baskin-Robbins franchise in downtown.
While each may business may have certain guidelines to meet, the Baskin-Robbins case centers on requirements set by the Historical Review Board and not the regular zoning commission. Questions raised about Sonic's building appear to be coming from existing regulations governing construction practices. The Sonic location is outside the Bardstown historical district.
Developing ...
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