A Whataburger restaurant coming to northeast Springfield will benefit from a reduced tax bill during its first decade of operation, thanks to a city vote Tuesday.

Located near the intersection of Kearney and Glenstone Avenue, the planned drive-through will be situated next to a 7 Brew Coffee and near Springfield's Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. The proposed development lies within the Kearney Street Redevelopment Area and is therefore eligible for tax abatement. The area encompasses approximately three and half miles extending from the intersection of North Kansas Expressway on east to the Glenstone intersection.

The tax break was approved by Springfield's Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, a mayor-appointed board that assists with the redevelopment of blighted or insanitary areas. The move will exempt the development at the corner from paying real property taxes to the city for ten years.

In a narrative given to the LCRA, Whataburger argued the blighted condition of the recently demolished Springfield Inn justified the tax break.

“The Springfield Inn was the very definition of blight, being approximately 35 years-plus old and in extremely deteriorated condition. In fact, when the motel buildings were vacated at the end of December 2021, they instantly became the source of constant calls to local police and fire for criminal and other suspicious activity," reads the Whataburger narrative.

"Since then, all buildings and improvements have been demolished, new entryways on the property have been constructed in a consolidation of multiple curb-cuts onto Glenstone Avenue, and a Whataburger restaurant is being built thereon."

More:Whataburger says first three Springfield-area restaurants should open this year

According to Whataburger, the new drive-through restaurant will immediately begin providing new sales tax revenue to the city and eventually increased property taxes after the 10-year abatement expires.

In a presentation to the LCRA, city planner Matt Schaefer said the development "checks all the boxes" for tax abatement. Based on staff recommendation in its favor, the redevelopment authority board unanimously approved the tax break.

Out of the 2.57 acres of property, approximately 1.45 acres will be used for the Whataburger. The remaining 1.45 acres could be developed in the future. The two-lane drive-through restaurant will have access to Kearney, Glenstone and East Turner Street either directly or via access easement drives.

The Glenstone Whataburger is one of several locations the popular chain plans to open in southwest Missouri. Other nearby soon-to-be Whataburgers include those at 1355 Highway 60 East in Republic, 1851 Marler Lane in Ozark and 3880 W. Sunshine St. in Springfield.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: City approves tax break for Springfield Whataburger