An Update on the Morris Plains McDonald’s Proposal

Hi everyone,

It's been awhile since we checked in via this petition site, so thought we'd send an update to the nearly 1,400 residents who signed the petition opposing a two-lane drive-through on Speedwell Avenue. Your support helped bring attention to a development with significant implications for traffic and pedestrian safety, and the future of Morris Plains' downtown.

Since our last update here, there have been a few important developments that have been discussed in the MP Development Facebook Group. But, we realize that not everyone has social media and so you may not be aware of them. The following updates are worth noting:

• NJDOT denied the requested access waiver. The state has maintained its position on the required left-turn lane, and the applicant may be pursuing an appeal to DOT. Questions remain about how the project may move forward.
• New Zoning Ordinance: The MP Borough Council changed local laws to ban drive thrus restaurants in the business district, at the urging of residents and local advocacy group Plan Better Morris Plains (ordinance in effect in 2026 and going forward).
• The issue is not over. Concerned residents continue to monitor developments and advocate for transparency, accountability, traffic safety, and meaningful public involvement in decisions affecting our community. 
• Stay informed. It's best to attend meetings in person, so you can voice your questions or concerns. But, for those who cannot attend in person, all Council and Planning Board meetings are regularly livestreamed and recorded thanks to dedicated volunteers who take turns each month.

We encourage you to watch the most recent Borough meeting recordings (linked below) for additional information and details concerning the DOT decision and other important  discussions. You can also view just about all local meetings from the past year on the Morris Plains Development Discussion by PBMP YouTube page:

See the meeting links below:
10/15/26 Borough Council meeting — residents’ questions and the Borough’s discussion begin around the 52-minute mark.
10/19/26 Planning Board meeting — continued discussion of the development and NJDOT access issues during public comments at the start of the meeting.

For more background information, additional documents, and ongoing updates, visit the Plan Better Morris Plains website.