Several weeks ago a Chezsven blog reader suggested a vacation. I have been in Los Angeles with my son's family for nine days now. Today, I read news from the Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce that will interest you all. Since I feel very strongly that we need to preserve the unique quality of our town, ie. that it is different from Everywhere, USA, I am against the installation of drive-through service at our local Dunkin' Donuts. How do you feel about this? Here is the low-down from the Wellfleet Chamber:"The Wellfleet Dunkin’ Donuts franchise coffee shop will go before the Wellfleet Board of Zoning Appeals Thursday December 1 to obtain a special permit to install drive-through service for its patrons. Wellfleet Dunkin’ Donuts has been serving its patrons inside its 2393 Route 6 location since it opened in the summer of 2010.
On Nov. 7 the State’s Attorney General’s office approved a bylaw passed by the Spring Town Meeting April 25, 2011. The bylaw prohibits any future fast food and formula restaurants. A formula restaurant is defined in the local bylaw as any establishment which has standardized features that would identify it as one of 25 or more worldwide. A fast food restaurant is characterized as one with drive-up window service.
The special permit Dunkin’ Donuts is requesting is an exemption from the recently passed bylaw. The Town Meeting did not prohibit formula businesses other than food service, such as big box stores or CVS.
Under the provisions of existing bylaws in Wellfleet the ZBA can approve the special permit only if it finds that the benefits of the proposal will outweigh any adverse effects on the Town.
Opponents of the special permit feel the potential automobile congestion would be detrimental to the residents and other businesses in the area which abuts Cove Road. They also express concern that entering or exiting Route Six will become more dangerous.
Supporters of the special permit feel it will enhance tourism because out-of-town visitors expect this kind of service.
The ZBA meeting will be at the Council on Aging on Dec. 1, 2011 at 7 pm."
