By Neil Doyle with Todd Wineburner

A proposed Jimmy John’s sandwich shop has cleared what should be its final regulatory hurdle. Earlier this week, the Pontiac City Council approved a special use permit that will allow the restaurant to operate a drive-thru window. In an interview with WJEZ, Pontiac Mayor Bob Russell explained that all restaurants with drive-thru facilities have similar permits.

Russell explained that some area residents were concerned about nighttime headlight glare from cars waiting in line. The owner of the franchise agreed to create a barrier that would shield neighboring structures, and the permit was issued. Construction should begin when weather permits and the restaurant should be operating by July. Russell says the Jimmy John’s is just another sign of a healthy business climate in Pontiac.

“The good news is we get contacts on a regular basis about new businesses wanting to come here,” the mayor added. “They want to come to Pontiac even during a not so good financial climate in Illinois.”

Russell said many members of the community have expressed their excitement about the new sandwich establishment.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]