Drive-thru windows are convenient, but in Minneapolis, they may be a thing of the past.
From banks to dry cleaners to pharmacies and even fast food, the city is considering a ban on the construction of any new drive-thrus. City leaders say drive-thrus don’t fit their vision for the future of the city, as they aim to reduce carbon emissions and increase density.
“It’s encouraging driving, it’s encouraging pollution, it’s encouraging people to sit in their cars and idle,” said Code Development Senior Planner Mei-Ling Smith.
Minneapolis leaders say drive-thrus run counter to accomplishing carbon neutrality by 2050. In addition, drive-thrus create safety hazards and breaks in pedestrian thoroughfares, and take up space that city planners would rather see used for development.