At McDonald's request, the Cleveland City Planning Commission postponed its Friday meeting to review the fast-food chain's controversial proposal to build a McDonald's in food-trendy Ohio City, where residents have been vigorously protesting the plan.

It's not clear exactly why McDonald's wanted to delay, except possibly to wait until neighborhood emotions cooled. A lawyer for the chain said the company was unable to proceed at this time because of scheduling conflicts and "unresolved issues" in traffic engineering reviews.

Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman is strongly opposed to the chain's plans to put a 4,200-square-foot, double-lane-drivethrough McDonald's with a parking lot at the Lorain Avenue-Fulton Road intersection, with a driveway to West 38th Street. He had been lobbying residents to turn out in force for the Friday meeting.

A large number of Ohio City residents also have registered opposition to an idea they contend conflicts with the neighborhood's increasingly upscale, foody atmosphere. Ohio City is also home to one of the city's largest urban farms as well as the historic West Side Market.

The Cleveland neighborhood is not without fast food, however. There is a Wendy's on Lorain Avenue, across from St. Ignatius High School and closer to the market.

Are Ohio Citians being snobs, or should they defend their neighborhood against more fast-food encroachments? Our editorial board members weigh in with their preliminary thoughts and seek yours in the comments below.

Thomas Suddes, editorial writer:

No, those who oppose a McDonald's in Ohio City aren't being snobs. True, if billions of people didn't like what McDonald's serves, the company would be but a hazy memory. But it's likely the real issues that challenge this emerging neighborhood are proposed drive-throughs and that fast-food universal, litter. Drive-throughs don't do much for a walk-friendly neighborhood, and in fact they invite more vehicles to the area. And litter is a surplus commodity in Ohio. Enough is enough.

Sharon Broussard, editorial writer, Northeast Ohio Media Group:

Put McDonald's dubious, salty, fatty menu aside and look at all of the traffic that this engorged McDonald's could bring. I think that Ohio City is well within its rights to protest this double-lane driveway monstrosity that could make it harder for cars and pedestrians. This is an important quality-of-life issue for this up-and-coming neighborhood.

Kevin O'Brien, deputy editorial page editor, The Plain Dealer:

If they build it, I will come.

Christopher Evans, editorial writer, Northeast Ohio Media Group:

Ohio City needs a slave wage processed-food factory like it needs more blight.

The opposition to McDonald's is a statement about neighborhood pride, about responsible community stewardship and the right to say "No" to corporate opportunists who bring nothing to the table but their appetite for money and mediocrity.

Peter Krouse, editorial writer, Northeast Ohio Media Group:

Residents of Ohio City have every right to oppose McDonald's unwanted intrusion in their neighborhood. Nothing says we're like everybody else more than a McDonald's. The only golden arches that are desirable these days are the architecturally significant ones left over from the 1960s. The fatty-food pusher should beat a retreat. It could go all Wal-Mart on the community and try to impose its will, but rest assured very few people would be "lovin' it."

Elizabeth Sullivan, opinion director, Northeast Ohio Media Group:

It's ridiculous to challenge McDonald's right to set up business in Ohio City based on the quality of its food. That's the democracy of taste. Guaranteed there are other food emporiums in the neighborhood that are even worse. But impacts on traffic patterns and public safety with kids walking to school and the library are a different matter. These are the issues the City Planning Commission should address.