Arby's coming to North Park — with drive-thru?

At the beginning of November, demolition began on the two tiny boarded-up studio-sized homes on the corner of Gunn and 30th streets in North Park.

Construction fencing went up around the former Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church property about two weeks ago. Recently, an “Arby’s” sign was put on the fencing to indicate what’s to come. Then, a few days ago, the sign was removed.

The location of the construction project is across the street from Saguaro's Mexican restaurant and drive-through, which has some residents worried: Could another drive-through restaurant be established in North Park?

Residents near the intersection of 30th and Upas Street already have a lawsuit contesting the Jack in the Box project, which was recently “remodeled” — almost completely demolished and rebuilt with a reconfigured drive-through. The drive-through is a big point of contention.

In a statement on November 29, North Park Planning Committee chair Vicki Granowitz said, “I’m confident that there will be no drive thru [granted for Arby’s] without the NPPC [North Park Planning Committee] and the Planning Commission having a chance to weigh-in, according to the feedback we have gotten from the City.”