As Oakdale High School’s population continues to grow, new shops are frequently being built near the school. Recently, the 7-Eleven convenience store was built, and it’s become a popular spot for students to go to outside of school. Two of the current buildings in progress are a Mcdonald’s and a Weis located directly in front of the school. But were these builds necessary?

Just up the road, there is already a Spring Ridge shopping center that contains a Weis, Subway, and a few other stores. Additionally, there is a Food Lion, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, Burger King and many other shops within a five minute drive from Oakdale. While these are not as popular as the other stores near the high school, they are still food places already close to us. 

Sophomore Natalie Clague shares, “I feel that the new McDonald’s and Weis is not very necessary considering there is a Food Lion and Mcdonald’s five minutes away in New Market.” With many available options nearby to Oakdale, adding additional grocery stores and fast food restaurants may just be taking up space. 

Considering Oakdale’s rule of not being allowed to leave during lunch, many kids will not have lots of opportunities to stop by the new shops. Sophomore Molly McNeece claims, “I don’t see myself going to the new McDonalds and Weis too often.” Since the only time students would be able to go to the McDonalds would be outside of school, lots of people may not end up making a trip there.

On the other hand, these new builds will be very convenient for students and people living in the Oakdale Village, or the surrounding apartments. Clague explains, “The new Weis will be helpful to those who live in the apartment complexes since they will have a nearby grocery store to shop at.” Having food places within walking distance is a great plus for locals. 

Additionally, the new shops will be an easily accessible place for kids to hangout outside of the school day. Since they can easily walk to the McDonald’s to sit down and grab something to eat, or to the Weis to pick out some snacks and food to bring home. The easy accessibility to the McDonald’s and Weis makes it very convenient for students who cannot yet drive themselves to the stores.

In general, there are positive aspects as well as negative aspects resulting from the new Weis and McDonald’s being built near Oakdale. McDonald’s is already hiring, so we should be seeing it opening soon!