Dunkin Donuts drive-thru plans spark community debate

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposal for a Dunkin' Donuts drive-thru location, which includes a request for four wall signs—exceeding the standard limit of three. Despite the increase in the number of signs, city staff indicated that the cumulative sign area complies with regulations, with coverage ranging from 1.5% to 8.5% across different facades. Staff expressed support for the project, noting that it aligns with the future land use map designating the area for commercial development and the city's comprehensive plan promoting infill development.

The meeting also highlighted concerns regarding the operational hours and expected business volume of the Dunkin' Donuts location. While the representative from the architect's office suggested the intent was for the store to operate 24 hours, definitive answers were lacking due to the absence of Dunkin' corporate representatives. Commissioners raised questions about the anticipated customer volume, particularly during peak hours, with estimates suggesting that 70% to 85% of Dunkin' business typically occurs through drive-thru services.

The representative provided insights into Dunkin's operational model, stating that the design aims to accommodate up to 90 cars per hour during peak times, with a target service time of under one minute per vehicle. Peak hours were identified as early mornings, with a gradual decline in traffic throughout the day. The discussion underscored the importance of understanding the expected business dynamics before moving forward with the application, as commissioners expressed a desire for clarity on operational specifics.