Stony Point Planning Board hears revised plan to expand Dunkin’ Donuts/Gas Station on Willow Grove Rd.

BY ALLISON WHITE

Revised plans to expand the Dunkin’ Donuts/Mini Mart & gas station along Willow Grove Rd. in Stony Point were shown to the town’s Planning Board last week. As was the case in March when the original plan was revealed, dozens of residents from the surrounding neighborhood turned out to express concern.

Partly in response to public concerns about traffic, the new draft removed inside seating. The new draft consists of the same hours of operation as the current store, but roughly a doubling in size of the building and an increase in parking spaces.

The concerned residents say increased traffic and noise coming from the storefront could adversely impact quality of life in their neighborhood. The storefront is the only commercial lot in a residential area.

Although there was no public input at the meeting, residents still managed to express themselves. They tried to share their opinions about the project, especially the new parking lot exit that would empty onto Algonquin Drive.

The lack of public input at the meeting angered some, leading board members to reassure residents they would get time to express concerns later this summer. Chairman Tom Gubitosa told the crowd, “We have certain guidelines and procedures we have to follow.”

The July Planning Board meeting was proposed as the time for public input about the plan. A motion was also passed to have the Architectural Review Board look at the expansion plan.

Other matters discussed at the meeting were the review of Gate Hill Day Camp’s five-year plan and the addition of an electronic sign at the Stony Point Ambulance Corps headquarters, which was dismissed until the next meeting.

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