Dunkin’ Donuts back before town planning board

Posted 7/20/22

Representatives of Dunkin Donuts were back in front of the Town of Montgomery Planning Board last week to discuss their plans for a new restaurant at Route 208 and Goodwill Road.

The parcel is …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Dunkin’ Donuts back before town planning board

Posted

Representatives of Dunkin Donuts were back in front of the Town of Montgomery Planning Board last week to discuss their plans for a new restaurant at Route 208 and Goodwill Road.

The parcel is next to the existing Dunkin’ Donuts that its owners have outgrown. The move would afford them the opportunity for a larger space. The new location will no longer exit onto Route 208, but will instead exit onto Goodwill Road. The building will be 2,680 square feet.

Jay Samuelson of Engineering and Surveying Properties, PC appeared at the continuation of the public hearing last week to say that concerns about storm water runoff from the site have been addressed.

Planning Board Chairman Fred Reichle read comments from the Orange County Planning Department that recommended sidewalks along the street frontage, a landscaping plan, and to comply with the provisions of the International Dark Sky Association for outdoor lighting. The Dark-Sky Movement is a worldwide campaign to reduce light pollution.It seeks to decrease light pollution in order to preserve the natural night sky.

Samuelson said the plan calls for sidewalks to connect the restaurant to the Holiday Inn Express, but not for the front of Route 208.

Board Member Cheri Zahakos asked if a special use permit should be required, despite an apparent change in the town’s comprehensive plan that now calls it a permitted use.

“It’s a heavy traffic generator,” Zahakos said. “That in itself is a special use permit.”

Planning Board Attorney Richard Hoyt suggested that the site is in a B-1 zone, where regulations now only require site plan approval.

The planning board discussed whether a special use permit is needed and will seek an advisory opinion.

The public hearing will resume on July 25.