To be or not to be, drive-in style. A discussion item Oct. 10 by Fayetteville Planning and Zoning board members centered on the appropriateness of having a Sonic drive-in restaurant along Ga. Highway 85 at Fayette Village South shopping center at Grady Avenue.

A continuation of an earlier conversation on the proposed project, board members complimented Sonic on improvements to conceptual plans but questioned whether the restaurant with its trademark outside dining would bring the potential for a noise level unsuitable to nearby residents.

Commissioners Mike Mechinger and Derryll Anderson, echoing the sentiments of Commissioner Bill Talley’s appreciation of the re-worked proposal, cited concerns about the potential noise level coming from outdoor speakers, significant vehicular traffic and other sources and the impact on residences approximately 200 away.

“Noise is inherent to drive-in restaurants,” added Commissioner Allen Feldman. “I’m sorry, but there’s no way to mitigate the noise.”

Sonic representative Doug Haley presented Sonic’s revised concept plans for the two-acre site situated on lot 6 of the shopping center. Plans call for keeping 60 percent of the site undeveloped, with masked architecture, subdued lighting from one short light pole in front of the restaurant and no light poles in the rear and buffering from numerous types of vegetation and trees, such as Leland cypress, evergreens and other canopy trees.

“It would be a great gateway to downtown,” said Haley, describing the company’s approach as one which operates family-oriented restaurants and offering the position that Sonic is not a noise-generating hang-out for young people. “Sonic would bring energy to the center. I think we’ll be invisible to the neighborhood and with no noise issues that will be negative to neighbors.”

All in all, commissioners were positive about the re-worked proposal, with Commissioner Chet Enigenburg commenting on the marked improvement since first discussion of the proposal occurred in September.

Chairperson Sarah Murphy told Sonic representatives the only way to determine the project’s viability would be to move it past the discussion stage and to officially engage the entire development process. Other commissioners suggested, and Sonic agreed, to move forward with the development process.