The popular In-N-Out Burger chain will open a Santa Rosa location in early October, causing worry as well as excitement among some Santa Rosa Junior College students and faculty.

The plan to build an In-N-Out Burger was approved in August 2009 by the City Planning Commission, despite complaints that idling cars in the drive-up window will create greenhouse emissions. Traffic is already a problem in this intersection; adding a wildly popular fast food restaurant will only worsen the condition, some students have said.

“Whether it’s noon or 6 o’clock at night, there is going to be a lot more traffic in that area from all the people coming and going to In-N-Out,” said Tony Khammivong. “It’s going to make getting to school at certain points in the day much more difficult.”

According to a new city report, the drive-up window is designed to handle about 18 cars, while the average number of cars in a mid-day peak is about 17.

“I’ve seen over 20 cars in the In-N-Out drive-up window in Rohnert Park. It was insane,” said James Molina, who lives within a few blocks of the new location. ” I love In-n-Out as much as the next person, but the location is the absolute worst.”

The new store is 3,350 square feet on the northwest corner of Steele Lane and County Center Drive, across the street from the shortcut that many students take to get to Elliot Avenue, which runs adjacent to the JC. “Every In-N-Out I’ve seen has been jam packed and never has the space needed to provide for so many customers throughout the day. I’m sure the new location won’t be any different,” said Nick Hoffman, an SRJC communications professor.

Clean air advocates opposed the 232-store chain’s plan to build a drive through because of the long lines of motorists waiting for food, which could mean many idling cars and much more pollution. There is some good news for those who oppose the new location: Santa Rosa may one day ban all drive-up windows completely. The city’s Planning Commission is working with City Council to ban all new drive-up window locations. This issue will be raised again in the spring.

The chain, made famous for its fresh cut french fries and delicious burgers, was swamped with applicants two weeks ago; about 600 people showed up for interviews. In-N-Out’s starting wage is significantly higher than other fast food restaurants, starting at $10 per hour with opportunities to be promoted quickly.

“So many new jobs are opening up because of the new In-N-Out, which is great. I think people are overreacting about traffic; it’s already bad in that spot anyway,” said Derek Chapman, an SRJC student.

“I’m pretty stoked about having it so close to school. Now I don’t have to drive so far to get a great burger,” said student Kevin Rossi.

Like Rossi, others are happy that they no longer have to commute to Rohnert Park or Petaluma to enjoy a “double double” or “animal style” french fries. Lulu Thrower, a member of the swim team at the Junior College is excited about the opening: “I really love In-N-Out, and I’m excited for them to be so close to the school.”

There are 246 In-N-Out chains spread across California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. The Santa Rosa In-N-Out will be the third in Sonoma County with other locations in Rohnert Park and Petaluma.