RM Planning Commission approves In-N-Out location

Rancho Mirage’s Planning Commission approved a proposed In-N-Out Hamburger location at the Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center, sending the matter to the City Council for final approval.

The new business proposal has sparked controversy in the community. The council has not made a decision on the proposal.

The Rancho Mirage Planning Commission members listened to residents and business owners voice their concerns about the proposed In-N-Out location in Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center. The vacant lot is located on the corner of Highway 111 and Magnesia Falls Drive, the former location of Brandini Toffee. The shopping center is home to Starbucks, Hobby Lobby, CVS Pharmacy, and more.

According to the city plans, the proposed burger restaurant would be approximately 3,885 square feet. The design includes a drive through lane that will be accessible through the south side of Highway 111. The drive through will lead vehicles to exit on Magnesia Falls Drive.

Both residents and business owners expressed their concerns at the meeting. One of the business owners, Matthew Johnson, President of Johnson Commercial Real Estate, understands the concerns residents have about traffic. But he sees the positive in the traffic flow for the shopping center.

He says,”I think bring In-N-Out to the Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center is a good thing because it will help generate traffic with the shopping center to ensure the shopping center’s success.”

As for residents, Brian Hawthorne, who’s home resides 150 feet from the proposed location. He expressed his thoughts and the effects on his family.

“It’s a safety issue as well with two small children I don’t want the traffic up and down on my street to service the in n out drive-through,” said Hawthorne.

Currently, there are four In-N-Out locations in the desert which include Thousand Palms, Indio, La Quinta and Cabazon.

KESQ