Plan Commission Requests Traffic Changes for Proposed Dunkin' Donuts

The following is from the Village of Northbrook about the Plan Commission hearing on the proposed drive-thru Dunkin Donuts at 2775 Dundee Road:

The Commission held its first public hearing on an application requesting approval of Zoning Code text amendments, a special permit, parking and loading variations, and yard and setback variations to allow the construction and operation of a Dunkin Donuts with an accessory drive-through facility.

After hearing from staff and the Applicant, eight members of the public spoke in opposition to the project. Most of the residents were from Brindle Court, and their major concern is the additional traffic from the restaurant onto Pfingsten Road as they indicated it is already difficult for them to get out of their street onto Pfingsten Road.

After closing the public hearing, all of the Commission members expressed support for a Dunkin Donuts on the subject property; however, they expressed strong concerns regarding the design of the development. Commission members indicated that the length for the drive-through lane was inadequate; the design of the on-site circulation could lead to congestion on-site and on the adjacent roadways; a 24-hour operation is not appropriate on this site; a parking variation is not appropriate given the seating and floor area of the proposed renovated building; and the requested drive aisle variation along the east property line is not acceptable due to potential congestion in that area.

The Commission continued the public hearing to November 18, 2014, to provide the Applicant time to consider making significant changes to the plans.