Goochland Supervisors unanimously approved a conditional use permit for franchisee Luis Cabral, who lives in the Meadows, to add a drive through window to a proposed Dunkin’ Donuts in the Courthouse Commons Shopping Center on Fairground Road at their June 6 meeting.
Cabral explained that Dunkin’ Donuts was reluctant to grant a franchise in Courthouse Village, citing low population, unless it included a drive through window.
Denial of this application was recommended by the county planning commission at its May meeting for safety reasons.
Located at the north end of the strip shopping center, which is also home to Dawson’s Pharmacy and Food Lion, the drive through lanes share space with travel lanes used by large trucks that make deliveries to center tenants. The Planning Commissioners were not convinced by schematics presented at their public hearing that motorists waiting to pick up their daily caffeine could share space with big trucks.
At the Board hearing, shopping center owner Rick Palamar joined forces with Cabral to present a short video demonstrating that the proposal is feasible and safe. They outlined the proposed lanes and used a soft drink tractor trailer to negotiate the turn. It did so safely, giving a wide berth to vehicles parked where the menu board will be and in the “stacking” lane, where motorists wait their turn to order. All lanes will be clearly delineated with pavement markings supplemented by ample signage to direct customers in and out.
Photos of another Dunkin’ Donuts operated by Cabral just east of Innsbrook with even narrower lanes around a building were shown. Cabral said that there have been no traffic incidents of any kind there.
Palamar said that, during a typical week, between nine and 12 large trucks make deliveries behind the shopping center after the expected 7 to 9 a.m. morning rush at Dunkin’ Donuts.
Cabral plans to invest approximately $400 thousand on a total renovation of the space and expects to hire 15 full time and ten part-time employees.
This new tenant in the shopping center will bring new traffic for neighboring businesses and add another choice to folks seeking sustenance on the go.
Cabral explained that Dunkin’ Donuts was reluctant to grant a franchise in Courthouse Village, citing low population, unless it included a drive through window.
Denial of this application was recommended by the county planning commission at its May meeting for safety reasons.
Located at the north end of the strip shopping center, which is also home to Dawson’s Pharmacy and Food Lion, the drive through lanes share space with travel lanes used by large trucks that make deliveries to center tenants. The Planning Commissioners were not convinced by schematics presented at their public hearing that motorists waiting to pick up their daily caffeine could share space with big trucks.
At the Board hearing, shopping center owner Rick Palamar joined forces with Cabral to present a short video demonstrating that the proposal is feasible and safe. They outlined the proposed lanes and used a soft drink tractor trailer to negotiate the turn. It did so safely, giving a wide berth to vehicles parked where the menu board will be and in the “stacking” lane, where motorists wait their turn to order. All lanes will be clearly delineated with pavement markings supplemented by ample signage to direct customers in and out.
Photos of another Dunkin’ Donuts operated by Cabral just east of Innsbrook with even narrower lanes around a building were shown. Cabral said that there have been no traffic incidents of any kind there.
Palamar said that, during a typical week, between nine and 12 large trucks make deliveries behind the shopping center after the expected 7 to 9 a.m. morning rush at Dunkin’ Donuts.
Cabral plans to invest approximately $400 thousand on a total renovation of the space and expects to hire 15 full time and ten part-time employees.
This new tenant in the shopping center will bring new traffic for neighboring businesses and add another choice to folks seeking sustenance on the go.
1 comment:
The BOS approved a disaster waiting to happen. The video was disingenuous as it showed no line of cars at the beginning of the lane.
Michael Mirchower should sit at a nearby card table, awaiting business.
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