Temple Terrace council approves Dunkin' drive‑through plan with two CRA waivers

The Temple Terrace City Council voted to approve the final site plan (SPR‑25‑06) for a 1,570‑square‑foot Dunkin' drive‑through at 5302 East Bush Boulevard and granted two Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) waivers required by the site layout.

Senior planner Alyssa Livingstone told council the 0.32‑acre parcel is zoned commercial general and sits inside the downtown CRA. The applicant requested a reduced building line setback and a waiver to allow a drive‑through window on the primary frontage; staff proposed enhanced landscaping and five standard conditions, including strict compliance with FDOT access requirements. "If FDOT determines that this direct exit contributes to a significant increase in crashes, the applicant is obligated to modify and remove the direct connection permanently," Livingstone said.

The business owner and applicant representative said the drive‑through is essential for the site's viability amid shifts toward takeout and delivery. Nico Apostolares noted his family's history at the location since 1973 and said a drive‑through is critical to the business model. Patricia Ortiz, the applicant’s representative, explained the lot constraints and queueing requirements that necessitated placing the window on the Bush Boulevard frontage.

Council asked about walk‑up access (applicant: "Yes. Absolutely."), possible outdoor seating (currently none), and the plan expiration (two years standard). Council approved the site plan and waivers with the conditions outlined by staff.

Next steps: applicant must meet FDOT access requirements, comply with the five conditions on the approved plan, and pursue any building permits required by the city’s land development code.