Residents react after In-N-Out drops defense of lawsuit filed by Rancho Mirage residents

An organization known as "Save Rancho Mirage" has been notified that fast-food chain, In-N-Out, dropped its defense for a lawsuit the group filed against it in October.

The letter, signed by Rancho Mirage City Attorney Steven Quintanilla also indicated the termination of the Development Agreement In-N-Out made with the city.

In 2019, "Save Rancho Mirage" filed a lawsuit on behalf of the residents claiming the city "violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by illegally claiming an exemption - and has illegally changed the zoning for the proposed project site."

"Its become more than just a burger joint. I have my own reasons because I’m so close," "Save Rancho Mirage" President, Jim Elliott said.

Elliott lives less than a mile from the proposed site at Highway 111 and Magnesia Falls. He's concerned that In-N-Out would bring congestion on a street that's already bustling with traffic, and stay open much later than other places nearby.

There's also a list of other concerns involving the environmental impacts.

The city released a statement to KESQ:

“The applicant has communicated that they believe preparing a project level EIR (Environmental Impact Report) will be the quicker and more cost-effective approach over lengthy litigation. The City has no cost under either approach, as the applicant has the cost responsibility for the lawsuit or preparing the EIR. Although the City doesn’t believe an EIR is necessary, we agree with In-N-Out that this is the best way forward. This approach will avoid a lawsuit and will provide Save Rancho Mirage exactly what they are asking for, an EIR."

Residents have other concerns that the burger joint doesn't fit in with the city's image.

"I don’t think it really is the place, in my opinion," Palm Desert resident Jeff Carruthers said.

The point of contention has drawn in mixed reactions among residents.

"It fits the image of Rancho Mirage. There is no image of Rancho Mirage if you ask me," Rancho Mirage resident, Sandi Ballew said.

According to the letter signed by the city attorney, In-N-Out "...is considering potential next steps in connection with developing a restaurant on the site, including the preparation of a focused Environmental Impact Report that will provide for the highest level of CEQA review of and public participation regarding the proposed project’s potential environmental impacts."

A city council meeting is set to address the matter on Monday at 1 p.m.