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ABINGDON, Va. — Abingdon Town Council voted Monday night to uphold the town Planning Commission’s decision to give a green light to Pal’s Sudden Service at The Meadows.

Nearly the entire first hour of Monday’s Town Council meeting was devoted to an appeal by the Friends of Abingdon that states the Planning Commission should not have awarded a certificate of appropriateness to Pal’s because the restaurant’s uniquely shaped, teal-colored building would not conform to codes and standards.

The appeal drew an outcry from many in the community who said they want the popular fast-food chain and the revenue and jobs it would bring.

No representatives of the Friends group showed up to voice the appeal at the meeting, and the announcement of the group’s absence elicited an “aw” from the audience, which numbered about 200. The meeting was moved to the Barter Theatre due to the expected crowd.

Speaking to the Herald Courier in an email after the meeting, Friends of Abingdon member Joe LeVine said his group saw no need to attend because, “It was obvious that tonight’s decision was already a ‘done deal.’”