A bomb squad was called in to investigate last week after a “suspicious package” was found near a Chick-fil-A location in Texas.
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Local news outlets KFDX and KJTL reported that the package was found in a parking lot on Monday, Feb. 3. The parking lot is near a Chick-fil-A, Kohl’s and Chilis.
The Denton Bomb Squad was called into investigate in the 3700 block of Call Field Rd. in Wichita Falls, Texas. Wichita Falls Sgt. Brett Keith advised the public to avoid the area at the time.
Hours later, Sgt. Keith advised that the area had been cleared. However, there was no further information available at the time.
That incident wasn’t the only headline Chick-fil-A made in the last week.
Chick-fil-A Has Faced Some Community Pushback from Proposed New Locations
San Jose residents have also spoken out about a new proposed location on the California coast.
The restaurant is planned for an area on West San Carlos and Race Streets, near the San Jose Diridon Station.
Some local residents are opposed to the popular chicken chain moving in, as the space is currently occupied by local businesses.
“We’ve got an urban village plan that says we’re supposed to have mixed-use land. We’re supposed to have more housing. It defies all of our own rules,” neighbor Loui Tucker told ABC 7 San Jose.
The new Chick-fil-A location would require the removal of 20 trees and the demolition of a building home to at least two local businesses, residents say.
“It’s paying its taxes. It’s a business that’s operating,” Tucker said of the building, which is home to a Sharper Cuts and Taqueria Eduardo. “Why would you take out one business to put in one more? It’s not like you’re putting in six businesses and increasing income to the city.”
Local nonprofit Catalyze SV is also opposed to the Chick-fil-A. They say it could detract from proposed housing opportunities in the area.
“Traditionally, we’ve had a housing crisis because there’s been community opposition to development,” noted Catalyze SV executive director Alex Shoor. “In this case, the neighbors want the housing.”
“So, if we allow a single-story Chick-fil-A or any fast food restaurant that’s single-story to displace existing businesses, be super car-centric and not have anything above it, again, it’s a huge lost opportunity,” he added.
Shoor said his organization will continue to appeal the Chick-fil-A, adding that the city plans to hold a community meeting about the proposed project.
“If we don’t build housing at sites like this, we’re going to lose our sense of community,” he said.