Planning commission approves Dunkin' facade update after requiring bike rack and lighting

The Crown Point Planning Commission on an unspecified date approved a site development update for the Dunkin' restaurant at 10970 Broadway, requiring the owner to install a previously required bike rack and lighting as a condition of approval.

The commission voted 4-1 to approve petition 14-06 after an extended discussion about the store's remodel, new corporate colors and a proposal to shift the drive-through menu-and-speaker position. Commissioner Mike Conquest moved approval “with the addition of the bike rack and lighting;” the motion passed on a roll call showing four yes votes and one no.

Planning staff told the commission the remodel began under permits filed this year for new signage and interior work, but that facade work had begun without a site-development update. Staff said the original site development approval dated 02/10/2024 included a required bike rack and lighting that do not appear to have been installed. The staff report recommended that any new approval include the previously required bike rack.

Architect Peter Paraskis, who identified himself at the hearing, described the changes as part of the franchise’s 10-year remodel cycle. He said, “The only thing we're doing is upgrading the 3 existing monolith towers, with some more improved material... this will all be hardy board,” and that the project also includes new digital menu boards. Petitioner Sanjay Patel, the store owner, told commissioners the menu board and speaker are being shifted “back half a parking space” and estimated a typical morning line of “about 12 to 15 cars” through the drive-through.

Several commissioners expressed reservations about the pink accent stripes corporate design requires. One commissioner said he did not oppose the signage but was “not crazy about the pinkish red striping” and asked to see color samples or a rendering; the architect said samples were available for pickup and that the pink bars would be a minimal accent. Commissioners and staff also questioned whether moving the speaker would worsen stacking onto the frontage road; the petitioner said the shift should improve processing because order preparation time is now about 90 seconds under the new menu system.

Before the vote, several commissioners made installation of the bike rack and lighting an explicit condition. The commission also confirmed the petitioner would not need to return for further approval on the same item.

Outcome: Motion to approve petition 14-06 with required addition of bike rack and lighting passed 4-1. The motion was moved by Commissioner Mike Conquest and seconded by a member of the commission; roll-call votes were recorded as Rich Day — yes; Dan Rohaley — no; Mike Conquest — yes; Chad Jeffries — yes; John Marshall — yes.

The commission’s action was limited to the site-development update as presented; staff noted facades and some flat work do not require building permits and that the Broadway Corridor design guidelines apply to facade changes.

Commissioners and staff said they would like clearer renderings before future facade changes and emphasized that the previously required elements (bike rack and lighting) must be installed as part of the approval.