Dunkin Drive Thru Plan Called a 'Constipated Mess'

Last night, the Westborough Board of Selectmen met in the building, and renewed concern was raised over the proposed drive thru on East Main Street.

The issue was the most debated item on the board's agenda. An ongoing concern from residents and town officials is whether the proposed drive thru will disrupt the flow of traffic on streets adjacent to Dunkin Donuts.

Robert Michaud, a representative from MDM Transportation Consultants, presented findings from a traffic study conducted by experts hired by Dunkin Donuts and the town. The traffic study focused on five existing Dunkin Donuts with drive thru lanes and similar traffic situations to predict how a drive thru will affect the Dunkin Donuts in question.

Michaud highlighted concerns raised through the peer review, noting there are "substantial constraints" related to the proposed drive thru. The reduction of parking spaces (lose seven spaces) and lack of a bypass lane in the drive thru poses potential problems, stated Michaud. Without a bypass lane, once drivers get in line for the drive thru, "they are committed" or stuck in line until circling past the drive thru window, said Michaud.

A representative from Dunkin Donuts responded that although bypass lanes are typical, they are not universal, and that the proposed drive thru meets town building codes. Town Planner Jim Robbins said the town is considering passing new standards requiring bypass lanes due to their importance.

Another concern Michaud noted was that residents turning right off Route 30 into Dunkin Donuts will have a blind turn (unable to view parking activity) due to "unique characteristics" of the site. And people waiting to turn left into Dunkin will create an "accordion affect" because there is not room for other cars to bypass those waiting to turn left, which could hinder emergency vehicles from passing through the area.

Police Chief Alan Gordon noted that the original agreement with Dunkin Donuts included that if their business affects traffic, then a police officer will be assigned to direct traffic at the expense of Dunkin Donuts. He recommends this agreement be included with the construction of the drive thru.

Selectman Ian Johnson questioned where deliveries would occur because the current unloading/loading zone will become part of the drive thru lane. Dunkin Donuts representatives responded that delivery trucks have flexible hours in order to work around peak traffic times.

Selectman Leigh Emery noted a number of concerns with the proposed site plan because the the location is one of the critical places downtown, and there are already problems with delivery trucks. It doesn't set a good precedent to allow one business to unload deliveries where they please while other businesses have loading zones, she said.

Emery voiced her doubts about tighter parking with the moving drive thru traffic. "I see this becoming a constipated mess with people driving over-sized vehicles," Emery said.

The hearing over the proposed drive thru at Dunkin Donuts will continue at the Board of Selectman meeting on Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

The CSX hearing scheduled for last night has been moved to Sept. 13 Board of Selectman meeting at 6:45 p.m. due to a lack of new information to present.