By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com

The Bucyrus City Planning Commission approved the final plans for the Tim Hortons lot Friday morning.

According to a representative from Korda Engineering, the engineering firm handling the plans for RSSUM Holdings, LLC, included among the changes were two small detention basins on the north and south side of the property at 503, 505, and 511 S. Sandusky Ave. Though the basins will not be very big – they’ll be more like small ditches rather than a pond – water will be able to back up into the basins and will drain right back out after the storms roll through.

“It’s pretty substantial,” said Bucyrus Zoning Administrator John Rostash.

There will also be catch basins in the parking lot to catch rain runoff.

Rostash noted that the plans showed a proposed chain link fence on the south side of the property. He explained to the board that that option would not be functional for the residents of the adjacent apartment complex. Instead, the landscaper on the project will put up a vegetation screening or low bushes.

RSSUM Holdings also did away with a parking lot on Poplar Street. Instead, drivers will be able access Tim Hortons from the west by a driveway.

The restaurant will have half the size of the original plan after Donatos dropped out of the combination restaurant. The one-time 3,000 square-foot building will now be 1,700 square feet to account for the smaller business.

“I think this is a good example of how government can bring new businesses to the city, but at the same time hear the concerns of the residents and address them,” said Mayor Jeff Reser. “We don’t want to be blind to that. I think it was a nice cooperation. I congratulate Tim Hortons for the hand they had in addressing the concerns and working well with the residents.”

The Planning Commission passed the motion to approve the final plans.

The restaurant is expected to open in late summer.

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