McDonald's Moving to Downtown Maplewood?

Ward 3 Councilman Shawn Faulkingham raised some residents' concerns on Facebook when he posted the following note to his Facebook page:

"McDonald's has been mulling around the space next to the new CVS. I am vehemently opposed to a McDonald's in Maplewood. I believe I have enough support on the Council to squash it. If you have any thoughts, please share."

The note drew plenty of responses from people who agreed with Faulkingham. A few others responded on Patch's Facebook page too.

He also described why he opposes the move, stating that Maplewood is a "healthy, walkable and sustainable community" that has "enough restaurants that sell CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operations) foods."

In a follow-up call with Patch, Faulkingham said McDonald's hasn't officially contacted the city, but said the popular fast food chain has talked to nearby residents about the possible move.

"They even have drawings," said Faulkingham, who represents the ward encompassing that area.

The location currently houses Auto Plaza Ford, though it was redevelopment.

But there's still enough space to fit a McDonald's behind the pharmacy, Faulkingham said.

Right now, that corner is zoned for pharmacy usage, so any new development would require city council approval.

That's encouraging for Faulkingham, he said, because he would try to rally residents and council members against having a fast food chain at the corner.

What do you think? Would you support or oppose a McDonald's at that corner? Please vote in our poll below and share your thoughts in the comments.