Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Board reviews Ready Coffee drive‑thru proposal; board to coordinate DOT review and potential ZBA referral
Summary
Ready Coffee proposed a two‑lane, 700‑sq‑ft drive‑thru at 1422 Route 300; traffic, DOT coordination, parking, signage and zoning variances were raised by consultants and staff, and the board directed the applicant to work with DOT, Code Compliance and the planning consultant on next materials and required referrals.
Jed Bonnem, founder of Ready Coffee, and H2M Architect Sean Peters presented an initial appearance for a proposed second Ready Coffee at 1422 Route 300. The concept calls for a 700‑square‑foot building with two service lanes, a single point of egress shared with an adjacent storage facility, nine new parking spaces, a dumpster enclosure and a landscaped courtyard.
Traffic consultant Ken Wersted and Town planner Pat Hines told the Board that Route 300 and DOT involvement will shape access options; Wersted warned that DOT may require right‑in/right‑out access given nearby signalized intersections. Mr. Wersted also raised concerns about passenger‑side service and queueing toward Route 300 and encouraged early DOT coordination. "I wouldn't be surprised if DOT were to come back and say you have access to a traffic light next to you, so your access to Route 300 directly may be limited to a right in/right out only," Wersted said.
Code Compliance (Jim Campbell) noted potential zoning variances will likely be required because the proposed standalone restaurant use does not meet the bulk table; he also asked for parking calculations, freestanding and building sign details, ADA signage and the fire chief's comments. The applicant said menu boards and attendant service would allow both lanes to be served; Jed Bonnem estimated an operational staffing pattern of about 23 employees overall and four staff on a typical shift.
Board counsel Dominic Cordisco suggested preparing a referral to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the variances Mr. Campbell listed. The Board also asked the applicant to coordinate with Pat Hines on adjoiner notices and to submit detailed DOT and circulation responses in follow‑up materials.
Next steps: the applicant will work with DOT and Board consultants, supply requested parking and signage details, and the board will prepare referrals to ZBA as required.
