The Ceres Planning Commission approved a Specific Plan Site Plan to build a 2,623 square foot building for a Panda Express restaurant with dual drive-thru lanes in the southernmost parcel of the Ceres Gateway Center.

The eatery will be adjacent to the northbound freeway onramp.

The new eatery will be located to the south of the Union 76 convenience store and Nick the Greek accessory restaurant. To the west is the Woodspring Inn & Suites under construction.

Planning Commissioner Gary Del Nero commented that the site plan looked a bit crowded for parking but was reassured that the project met parking requirements.

Recycling business approved

Also on Monday evening the commission also approved a site plan for a recycling business behind a commercial shopping building at 2913 Hatch Road, consisting of a 160-square-foot container with an awning and table, occupying approximately 350 square feet of space.

The container will be a minimum of 30 feet behind the Angie Avenue sidewalk, and approximately 39 feet from the existing building.

The recycling redemption center can operate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days per week with one to two employees attending to the business.

Julio Villarreal Ruelas was the applicant.