Politics & Government

Panera Breaks Bread with City Council

It was a bumpy city council meeting in Highland Park this week as Panera Bread petitioners caused some frustration over their trash removal plans, but both sides were able to return to the table and come to an understanding.

Petitioners proposing a new Panera Bread on Second Street in Highland Park riled up the city council this week by presenting a plan for trash removal that differed from the concept that was previously discussed, reported the Chicago Tribune.

The tension and miscommunication forced the petitioners out of the meeting for a while, though an understanding was ultimately reached. Council members voted 5-2 to grant final approval for an easement in a municipal lot for a pedestrian walkway. Trash removal will be accessed through the lot, which will have parking restrictions for this reason, according to the Tribune.

Panera is expected to open in about six months. Currently, the Panera stores closest to Highland Park are located in Deerfield.

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