A City for People Not Traffic: Why Schenectady Should Say No to a Drive Thru Starbucks on Erie Boulevard
A recent decision by Schenectady’s Board of Zoning Appeals may have long lasting consequences for the heart of downtown. On May 14 of this year, the Board approved a proposal to build a Starbucks with a drive thru on Erie Boulevard, one of the most heavily trafficked and pedestrian oriented corridors in the city. The decision was made without public input and despite serious concerns about safety, walkability, and support for local businesses.
Now residents are speaking out and demanding change.
Walkability and Safety Are at Risk
According to the New York State Department of Transportation, Erie Boulevard already carries more than sixteen thousand vehicles per day. With the upcoming completion of major developments such as the Wedgeway building, Union College’s hockey arena, and the Capital Region Aquatic Center, traffic is expected to significantly increase.
Placing a drive thru across from a large and active parking lot will only make this area more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. Community members have voiced their frustration.
One resident said, “A drive through on Erie Boulevard across from an already very busy parking lot will have a negative impact on the road safety and walkability of Schenectady's busiest road. Going forward with this plan is literally putting our citizens, especially those of us in the Stockade, directly in harm’s way.”
Local Businesses Deserve Support
Downtown Schenectady already has a number of successful and beloved locally owned coffee shops. Arthur’s, Moon and River Cafe, Graham’s, Bud’s, Take Two, and Storied Coffee all serve the community within walking distance of the proposed development site. A new Starbucks with a drive thru would place unfair pressure on these businesses, pulling customers away from entrepreneurs who have invested in Schenectady’s revival.
“It would be so much better to support local businesses,” said Tara, a nearby resident. “We have wonderful coffee shops downtown. I’d rather see less car traffic, more pedestrians, and fewer chain establishments.”
A Misuse of the Zoning Code
This issue is not new. The same developers previously sought approval for a drive thru Starbucks in 2021 and were denied. In 2023 they argued that they could not be profitable without the drive thru. Again they were denied, with the Board determining that the supposed hardship was self imposed.
But in spring 2025, developers met privately with city officials and introduced a new interpretation. They argued that the city zoning law prohibits drive in establishments but not drive thru windows as an accessory use. Instead of revising the language of the ordinance or seeking community comment, the Board accepted this interpretation and granted the request.
At the May 14 meeting where this decision was made, there was no public opposition present. The Vice President of Economic Development at Metroplex publicly supported the project. Residents were left out of the process entirely.
S. Riley, a concerned citizen, commented, “If the Board agreed with developers that the restriction was ambiguous, the proper solution was to revise the phrasing of the restriction with resident input. Instead, the Board caved to the will of the developer and granted permission for something that was clearly never intended. This decision needs to be reversed.”
What Kind of City Do We Want
The zoning ordinance for downtown Schenectady was intended to support a walkable people friendly environment. The approval of a drive thru Starbucks undermines that goal. It sets a precedent that could make the city less accessible, less local, and less safe.
But the decision is not final. A petition is now circulating that calls on the Board of Zoning Appeals to reopen the case and allow residents to voice their concerns. This is an opportunity to push for a better process and a better outcome.
This is not just about one coffee shop. It is about whether our city will prioritize thoughtful development, pedestrian life, and local investment. Or whether it will continue to make decisions behind closed doors without the people who live and work here.
Now is the time to act. Our voices matter. Our neighborhoods matter. Let us stand together and say that Schenectady should be built for people not traffic.
