Opponents of a McDonald's in Loma Linda Take Their Fight to City's Planning Commission

After nearly two hours of discussion and public comments, Loma Linda's Planning Commission on Wednesday decided to delay a vote on whether to support plans for a McDonald’s in the city.

The commission will take up the issue again on July 20.

Commissioners are tasked with approving design and architectural plans for a proposed McDonald’s, which is part of developer Terra Linda Commercial LLC’s business center in the area of Barton Road and Mountain View Avenue.

An estimated 30 people attended the meeting to protest the proposed McDonalds, insisting the food lacks nutritional value.

The group began their protest the night before at the Loma Linda City Council meeting. More than 10 people spoke during public comment.

Opponents of the restaurant say the fast food chain does not fit in with the health conscious community and that it could affect the city’s status as a Blue Zone - a city or region where the population leads healthy, active lifestyles and residents live long lives.

However, the commission could not address the eatery's menu, only the land use and the architecture, said Konrad Bolowich, director of information systems for Loma Linda.

The commission decided to continue the issue so the developer could address some concerns, Bolowich said.

“They are looking for a more walkable type space with wider sidewalks and a more of a central drawing point,” Bolowich said.