KFC and Pizza Hut Construction Canceled

Over the summer, residents of the Woodmoor community came together to stop the construction of the planned Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Pizza Hut in Four Corners.

The safety of the students of Blair and St. Bernadette Middle School was one of the main concerns of the community. The movement against the KFC/Pizza Hut was supported by authorities at both schools. Blair Principal Phillip Gainous and Assistant Principal Linda Wanner both signed the petition as did the Parent Teacher Association. The main reason for opposition from school officials was the heavy traffic the restaurant would bring.

The residents wrote over 200 letters, protested, and petitioned complaining that the KFC/Pizza Hut would be dangerous to the community. Four corners is already listed as one of the most dangerous locations in Maryland, according to State Farm Insurance. Residents argued that the KFC and Pizza Hut would cause traffic problems and disturb the community by running late hours. The restaurant would have an entrance on a residential street, which would mean cars cutting through the Woodmoor neighborhood.

Students at Blair had mixed feelings about the fast food restaurant. Senior Worku Biftu, who lives in the Woodmoor community, was very disappointed when he found out the restaurant wasn't going to be built. His family had been one of the few families who supported the construction. "My mom thought it was a great idea. She thought it would be a great advantage for the students because they would have more options about where to eat," he says.

On the other hand, junior Sophie Kanter applauded the efforts of the Woodmoor residents. "We already have so many fast food restaurants in four corners. We don't need another one."

Paul Manchester, a resident who strongly opposed the the construction, says KFC and Pizza Hut have "chickened out and flown the coop."