MERRILLVILLE | A change may be in store for the McDonald's at the intersection of U.S. 30 and Taney Place that could benefit the town, Merrillville officials said Thursday.

Franchise owner Bill Modrak and McDonald's corporate officials are hoping to tear down the existing building and build a new McDonald's on the property, Town Manager Tim Brown said. They discussed the idea in a Merrillville Town Council workshop Wednesday.

Town Councilman Joseph Shudick said the change could bring improvements to the area, including correcting some drainage and traffic issues.

Town Councilman Richard Hardaway also said building a new restaurant would improve the area's aesthetics.

Hardaway said officials are planning to tear down the building in August and have the new restaurant built by November.