Attorney Joseph Brennan told the Cranston City Planning Commission the pre‑application concept — labeled the "Duncan" development at 0 Plainfield Pike — would place a Dunkin' Donuts in the eastern portion of a multi‑tenant building, with retail bays in the middle and a restaurant at the west end. Brennan said the parcel is part of a previously approved subdivision tied to 210 Plainfield Pike and is currently vacant.

Brennan said the project would remain in the M‑2 industrial zone but the applicant plans to seek conditional allowances (a list of permitted uses) rather than a full zoning change. The proposed building would include a Dunkin' drive‑through; because the unit is attached to other retail spaces, the applicant expects to request a waiver from the city's requirement that drive‑throughs be freestanding or separated. Brennan said early conversations with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation were supportive, though formal DOT permitting will follow later.

Commissioners focused on access and safety. Commissioner Coop and others asked whether proposed parking meets varied use demands; Brennan replied that parking was calculated based on assumed uses (Dunkin', retail, restaurant) and that any future change of use could trigger a variance at building permit review. Commissioner Mancini raised questions about how the Plainfield Pike striping and shoulder would affect left‑turn movements into the site; Brennan said DOT indicated adequate shoulder for vehicles to bypass turning vehicles but that more detailed DOT permitting would address that issue.

Staff asked the applicant to submit formal materials when ready and the commission noted the applicant will need to pursue waivers for driveway separation and for the attached drive‑through configuration. No formal vote was taken on the pre‑application concept, which proceeded as an informational presentation.

The commission encouraged the applicant to continue coordination with planning staff and DOT as the project moves from concept to formal application.