Those hoping for easier access to Dunkin’ Donuts should not despair, just wait.
After nearly a year, the Dunkin’ Donuts at 1509 E. Franklin Street is still seeking approval to add a drive-thru even though the city code requires businesses to have a special use permit to install a drive-thru.
The Town of Chapel Hill held a public meeting on Oct. 25 on the matter. Michael Sudol, a planner in the Town Department of Planning and Development Services, said the turnout was low.
“There were six people total at the meeting: myself, the applicant, the property owner and then three other people showed up," he said. "For the most part, there weren’t many concerns raised."
However, the citizens in attendance did express concern over the project, namely its effect on traffic flow.
“With any drive-thru, they have to do an analysis of how many cars can be stacked around the building before it spills out into the roadway,” Sudol said. “It was largely just talking about other drive-thrus in Town and wondering if the stacking on this site is sufficient for being able to handle drive-through traffic.”
Those in attendance, Sudol said, pointed specifically to the nearby Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen, where only a few cars can fit into the driveway before the line extends into the street and affects traffic.
Alfredo Ellzey, a UNC junior, expressed concern about a line interfering with traffic.
He said Sunset’s hours mean there is not a long drive-thru line during rush hour traffic, and he suggested the Dunkin' drive-thru also be closed during those hours.
