The new Sonic coming to Blacksburg was a controversial issue for town council and remains one for Blacksburg residents.

In June the town council denied a special-use permit application that would have brought Sonic to the new First and Main shopping center. Areas of concern included lack of pedestrian accommodation, loudspeaker noise and the worry that cars would loiter with their engines on in the drive-in section.

After changes to the building design and policies, however, the Town Council accepted Sonic's application on Nov. 12.  

Although Sonic's been officially approved, local approval might not come as easily. Less noise and more sidewalks probably won't kindle much warmth for the newest grease peddler in the hearts of anti-Wal-Mart Blacksburgians.  

The proximity of the two may just provide too easy a link from one incoming chain to the other.

Admittedly, though, Sonic is substantially more innocuous than Wal-Mart. One more fast-food venue doesn't compare to the small city of corporate impersonality that Wal-Mart threatens.  

Currently, there's not a huge fast-food presence on South Main Street. The only other real option for empty calories at a speedy pace in south Blacksburg is the Wendy's across the street. And Wendy's offers moderately different cuisine.  

Blacksburg in general, however, is certainly not lacking in fast-food restaurants. There's at least one of all the major low-quality food joints conveniently situated within walking distance of campus.  

The five-minute drive northbound on Main Street into the fast-food epicenter is not likely to be enough time for anyone to fall into a hypoglycemic coma. And maybe, on the way, the grease craver will cast a favorable eye on one of the numerous food establishments on Main Street that offer food options with a reasonable amount of trans fat.

There is even a Sonic located in the surprisingly concealing town of Christiansburg. Just as the other Macado's, few people in Blacksburg seem to know (or care) that it's there. Who knows, though, maybe the new Sonic will reveal to people their lifelong love of fried macaroni and cheese bites.

The editorial board is composed of David Grant, David McIlroy, Laurel Colella, Sally Bull, Jackie Peteres, Alexandra Kaufmann and Jenna Marson

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