Thursday, December 01, 2011

ZBA Continues Meeting on Dunkin' Donuts Drive-Thru

The ZBA meeting on the Dunkin' Donuts proposal to create a drive-thru at the existing Route 6 fast food restaurant was continued until January 5. Four dozen Wellfleetians, against the proposal, showed up and made sure their voices were heard. Most of us sat through the full three-hour meeting. A dozen letters against the proposal were read. The only letter-writer to offer support was the building inspector, and his comment that a drive-thru would provide an "attractive gateway to Wellfleet" brought snickers of amazement from the audience. After the presentation, it was, at last, the turn of audience members to voice their opinions. Many were abutters, already obliged to endure extra noise, light, litter, and traffic from their new neighbor. Most were not at all pleased to see the meeting "continued." One man had presented a petition signed by 300 residents. Here's the design for the drive-thru, which the owner offered to modify, based on tonight's discussion. The chair sounded out ZBA members and only one person said he would probably vote in favor. The final member of the audience to speak declared, "I don't think the petitioner cares what we want in Wellfleet. This is against the character of our town." It sounded to me as if the benefits did not outweigh adverse effects, but now that the petitioner is being given a chance to modify his proposal who knows what will go down? I will provide more detail in a future post. Stay tuned!