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Planning board reviews Dunkin' relocation plans, asks for traffic and fire access clarifications
Summary
Applicants seeking to relocate the Dunkin' within Taconic Plaza presented site and façade changes including a drive‑through and second freestanding sign; the board and consultants pressed the team on queuing, internal circulation, fire apparatus turning radii and DOT coordination and agreed to declare lead‑agency intent and refer design reviews to the ARC and zoning board.
Representatives for the proposed Dunkin' relocation at Taconic Plaza presented design and traffic materials to the East Fishkill Planning Board on July 21. Attorney Dominic Cordisco said he represented the applicant; civil engineer Connor McCormick described relocating the restaurant to Building 2 with a small addition for a drive‑through, parking reconfiguration and a second freestanding sign that will require a zoning variance. Architect Rosemary Chavez showed façade changes and new branding elements, including orange canopies and added glazing.
McCormick told the board the team coordinated a traffic memo with the state DOT and that the DOT "did not think this part" of the project would require a right‑of‑way permit for additional work. Board members and consultants pressed for more internal circulation detail after several raised concerns: drive‑through queuing that could block access when cars 4–5 stack; whether a two‑lane exit would create unsafe interactions; truck delivery routing; and how the proposed alignment would affect fire apparatus maneuvers. The fire official asked that the site accommodate 360‑degree access for apparatus and check canopy heights and dumpster locations; the architect said the proposal will be reviewed and adjusted as needed.
The board agreed to declare intent to be lead agency under SEQR so the zoning board of appeals can concurrently consider the sign variance and asked the applicant to present refined site plans addressing queuing, wayfinding, potential stop‑control or speed calming, and fire‑truck turning templates. The board also referred the application to the ARC for architectural review.
