41st Ward Ald. Napolitano opposes proposed Dunkin’ Donuts due to traffic concerns related to new drive-through

by BRIAN NADIG

Alderman Anthony Napolitano (41st) is raising traffic and parking concerns about a proposal to demolish the existing Dunkin’ Donuts at 5401 N. Harlem Avenue and replace it with a new Dunkin’ that would include a drive-through facility.

The existing Dunkin’, which also sells Baskin-Robbins ice cream, is a one-story structure that is set back toward the rear alley of the 5,795-square-foot lot, with nine parking spaces in front of the shop. Currently the restaurant does not have a drive-through.

“My primary concern is that the subject property lacks sufficient lot area to safely and efficiently accommodate the vehicle stacking associated with a drive-through operation,” Napolitano wrote in a June 23 letter of opposition to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

He added, “Based upon my review of the site and existing traffic conditions, I believe the proposed stacking capacity is inadequate and will inevitably result in vehicles queuing onto adjacent public streets, particularly Balmoral Avenue and Harlem Avenue.

“Harlem Avenue is already a heavily traveled arterial roadway, and any spillover from a drive-through queue would create unnecessary traffic congestion, impede traffic flow, and present safety concerns for motorists, pedestrians, and nearby residents.

Likewise, Balmoral Avenue serves a residential neighborhood and should not be burdened with overflow traffic generated by a commercial drive-through operation.”

Under the proposal, a two-story structure would be built along the south end of the lot, with one residential unit on the second floor. In addition, three would be a drive-through lane starting behind the building, with access from Balmoral. The lane would then wrap along the north side of the building, with all cars existing onto Harlem.

There also would be no on-site parking, but project officials have said that they are making arrangements for customers to park in an adjacent lot for AutoZone Auto Parts, 5415 N. Harlem Ave., according to Napolitano’s chief of staff Chris Vittorio.

The shop would include indoor and outdoor seating areas, and plans call for it to be open 24 hours, seven days a week.

No on-site parking is required due in part to the site’s proximity to public transportation.

The proposal requires the zoning board to approve a special use request for the drive-through along with requests for building and driveway variations.

The ZBA, which acts independently of the City Council, was scheduled to hear the proposal at its Friday, July 17, meeting, but the hearing is being postponed, Vittorio said.

There would be space for about six cars to stack up in the drive-through lane and that would not be enough, given the likely customer demand during the morning rush hour, Vittorio said.

In additional, the lack of any on-site parking is troublesome given that the adjacent neighborhood has residential permit parking restrictions, Vittorio said.

The alderman feels that a larger parcel for the project would be needed to address the traffic and parking concerns, Vittorio said.

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