A new Starbucks location has been proposed to be built next to the KFC along Route 32 in the Town of Newburgh. The Newburgh Planning Board declared its intent for lead agency on Thursday, July 20 following the project’s initial appearance. The newly proposed project is being taken on by Kimberly Horn Engineering and Landscape Architecture.

The 2,600 square foot Starbucks storefront would feature an outdoor patio for customers along with a two lane ordering point that would convert into a one way drive through. Along with the conversion of the parcel that would include parking, the applicant would look to update and provide the necessary work to enhance the look of the water tower overlooking Route 84.

Creighton Manning Engineering LLP, the town’s traffic consultant, noted to the applicant that they should consider a bypass lane along the ordering lanes, review the various shopping center intersections, review the traffic flow of the KFC drive through, address tractor trailers’ delivery times and review ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) parking spaces.

MHE Engineering comments have noted 60 parking spots would be lost from the existing parking lot site and would require a parking calculation plan. The applicant has also expressed concern about the existing water tower on the property.

“I know you said that they’re gonna paint this in 2024, but your owner was here 18 months ago and promised it would be painted in 2023,” said Engineer Pat Hines.“I think the board has concerns about that and that really needs to be addressed sooner than later.”

The New York State Department of Transportation and Orange County Planning office will need to review the project.

MHE Engineering will now work with the applicant to send out the notices to the neighbors of the project within 500 feet. No other determinations were made that night.