Taco Bell is a favorite restaurant among many, offering a grand variety of meal choices from classic tacos to breakfast “Cinnabon Delights.” Everyone is able to find something tasty to satisfy their cravings. In March 2022, Arthur Owens, the Georgetown Village Administrator, receivied a call about the exciting possibility of adding a Taco Bell in Georgetown. New restaurants and attractions are greatly anticipated by the community of small towns, allowing the public to cut back on driving expenses. New employment opportunities are also offered up.

GPD Group is a project engineering group that serves communities across the country to bring new opportunities to fruition through their engineering and architecture services. Owens worked with GPD Group to formulate a plan to bring a Taco Bell to Georgetown. After the zoning was in place for Taco Bell’s establisment type, as confirmed by the Village of Georgetown, Owens worked with GPD Group to iron out the details of building in the selected location. There was a lot to consider in planning the Taco Bell, including the location of water lines, water pressure sufficiency, and sanitary sewer line locations. The system needed to have the ability to handle sewage and storm run off as well as the ability to discharge the storm water to avoid flooding. The amount of electricity had to be measured as well for the building.

Construction of the Taco Bell began in September 2022 following the zoning permit issued from the Village of Georgetown. Not too long after, construction was postponed due to a legal issue. Contrary to the misinformation the public had acquired, the Village of Georgetown had nothing to do with the postponing of construction. A legal issue regarding the traffic pattern between Taco Bell and McDonald’s entrances disrupted the project; a civil dispute between all adjacent properties to Taco Bell.

“The village had no involvement in that dispute, other than to offer support if needed.” Owens said.

Owens and the Village of Georgetown worked swiftly and diligently to help settle the issue and get construction back on track. Once resolved with a new layout of traffic created for the Taco Bell, construction was encouraged to start up once again.

On Feb. 24, construction workers resumed their efforts in the thrilling project. A destructive storm earlier in the month had toppled over and skewed what was originally built before the postponed construction, so things still standing were torn down to restart. Wood was thrown up, creating the shape of the restaurant. Rapid progress has been made over the course of just a few days because of the deft work of the contruction workers. Taco Bell is anticipated to open its doors to the community in late April this year.

“I would just like to add, the Village is always willing to work with any entity who wants to invest in our community to bring goods and services as well as housing to Georgetown. Many see this as 1 more fast food establishment, but I see it as another entity who has taken an interest in our community and realizes the potential we have here. Georgetown is a great place to live and raise a family. We hope to continue to work hard to bring more investments in and to expand employment opportunities and housing opportunities to our entire Village.” Owens said.