The Planning Board met on June 10 to continue discussion on a proposed Dunkin Donuts at 78 West Main Street in Hopkinton. Attorney Michael Healy, John Kucich from Bohler Engineering, Manny Tavarez from MJ Tavarez Architects, and applicant Virginio Sardinha Jr. were present at the meeting.
The proposed plan calls for a one-story 3,000 square foot building. The site will have 24 parking spaces that will match the architecture of the site and two right-turn only driveways in and out of West Main Street. There will be signage to advertise that there is no left turn in advance with a no left turn sign at the end of the driveway. There is a driveway that connects to High Street, with High Street connecting to Elm Street to provide a left turn. The architectural design of the building changed based on comments from the Planning Board and the Design Review Board. The front awnings now have one light instead of two, and lighting around the patio has been reduced. The placement of windows has changed and three additional windows have been added to the back of the building.
Residents were concerned with the amount of trash that would be generated on the site and the time of trash pickups. However, the presenters told residents that trash pickup would occur during business hours, and no earlier than 6:00 AM. Residents were also told that there would be trash pickup twice a week. Residents were also concerned with the amount of traffic the site would generate, and the potential of large vehicles parking on Elm Street. Sardinha stated that they have not seen many large vehicles at other Dunkin Donuts sites. The other major concern raised was lighting.
“I certainly urge you not to approve this tonight,” said Hopkinton resident Sandy Altamura.
Planning Board Chairman Ken Weismantel stated in response to traffic concerns that the traffic engineers working on the site and Police Chief Rick Flannery decided not to allow left turns to reduce accidents. However, Board member Claire Wright stated that while traffic might be predictable, what people would do to avoid the traffic is not.
“I guarantee you that people are going to get creative and start crossing the street in really dangerous places,” said Wright.
Design Review Board member Jeff Doherty wondered if the Planning Board would take a vote before hearing the input from the Design Review Board, and commented on bringing the height of the lights down. Weismantel responded that any changes to the building would be treated as a Minor Site Plan Review and could be voted on and approved. Wright responded that Design Review Board comments should be taken into consideration before making a decision. Wright was also concerned about the amount of lighting on the site and suggested having light where it is needed and having lower light levels if lights are needed where the property borders residential properties.
Healy responded by stating that the lighting has been reduced from the original plan and stated that, “This is the safest plan we feel we can have with the least light.”
The Board voted to continue the hearing until their June 24 meeting at 8:45 in order to allow the Design Review Board to review and comment on the new building design.
