FALL RIVER: A Fall River couple is disappointed to hear that another fast food outlet will be calling the community home.
Dairy Queen is set to begin construction at the Fall River Plaza, with an opening scheduled for early 2020.
While they commend the owners efforts in bringing a business to Fall River. , the two are among several who wonder whether it’s the right fit for the community.
Pamela and Nick Horne, along with a few others, have concerns on the carbon footprint; the litter from users, and traffic congestion from nearby communities and Hwy 102. They just want people to think about their options.
“I think it’s just a good opportunity to bring to light the different impacts it will have on the community,” said Pam Horne. “A large impact it will have is on the environment; health and wellness; and it is also going to impact the community space we have.
“It’s going to impact traffic, which is already heavy in that area.”
She said there will also be plastics used, litter, a stand-alone building with a drive-thru, and it’s within walking distance of three schools, although she acknowledged that not all are allowed to leave.
“It’s not really striving towards the vision of our country in we’re trying to reduce our carbon footprint, eliminate single-use plastics, and promote health and wellness,” said Pam . “I just think money isn’t everything and that we’re a smart community, we’re a small community and that we can just do better.
“I don’t want to take away from how much it takes to get a franchise up and running. It’s a great accomplishment to do something like this.”
In a previous interview, Peggy Rust, the franchisee bringing DQ to Fall River, said the store will be looking to hire 45 people.
“We’re exited about being there and employing local people,” Rust said.
Pam and Nick agreed the Dairy Queen will provide jobs for the youth.
“It will be a great economic opportunity for our community, but I don’t think it’s the right thing for our community,” she said. “I’m not trying to stop it. I just want people to open their eyes and think the choices they have.
“People aren’t moving to Fall River because there’s going to be a Dairy Queen here.”
