Schenectady Planning Commission split on Dunkin’ proposal

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Schultz

The former TrustCo building now standing vacant at the corner of Union and Dean streets in Schenectady.

PROPOSED DUNKIN’

The city Planning Commission is split on a proposal for a Dunkin’ Donuts on Upper Union Street, with concerns about the drive-thru and traffic flow.

A proposal for the store, at a former Trustco bank branch at 1706 Union St., was tabled by the nine-member commission during a meeting Wednesday, according to City Planner Christine Primiano.

The commission discussed the project for an hour and a half during its five-hour meeting, focusing on the possibility of noise with the drive-thru intercom and increased traffic on Dean Street and Livingston Avenue.

“We had lengthy discussions with the neighbors and their concerns,” Primiano said. “The major traffic concern is the volume and the queuing of vehicles.”

Paul Carlo is seeking site-plan approval from the commission to open a drive-thru Dunkin’ Donuts at the 2,200-square-foot building and close its smaller location at 1621 Union St.

The store would be open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a maximum of six employees, according to the application. The property would include 15 parking spaces.

The shift from a Trustco to a Dunkin’ Donuts would keep the current traffic flow and orientation of the drive-thru lane, the application states.

“The applicant will make some revisions and restrictions to the drive-thru, or at least the intercom system,” Primiano said.

She said the commissioners asked for a traffic analysis to provide details of traffic flow and determine the projected number of cars at peak times.

“There were concerns about additional traffic onto Livingston, which is very narrow,” Primiano said. “Also, if cars were on Dean Street trying to make a left-hand turn, there would be backup on Union Street.”

Primiano said the commissioners proposed closing the exit onto Livingston Avenue and adding fencing around the building to help mitigate noise from the drive-thru window.

Some commissioners simply believe that a drive-thru Dunkin’ Donuts does not belong at the site, she said.

“Several commissioners voted against it because they feel very strongly that one of the goals is to keep Upper Union Street pedestrian-friendly and that a drive-thru goes against that,” she said.

Commissioners who voted against the plans were Chairman Matt Cuevas, Chris Rush, Julia Stone and newcomer Curtis Eatman.

Maureen Gebert, co-director of the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District, said she doesn’t believe a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru at the intersection of Union and Dean streets would create a traffic problem.

“That portion of Dean Street does not get a lot of traffic,” she said. “A lot of people come from Eastern Parkway. There are things that should be looked at, but I do think they could be managed.”

Gebert said she believes a Dunkin’ Donuts move from 1621 to 1706 Union would be good for the area.

“I think it would work very well and be a nice addition to the corner,” she said. “But I’m glad the Planning Commission is taking their time and looking for a traffic analysis.”

Last month, Trustco said it would close its 1706 Union St. branch, with another one located nearby at 1620 Union St. The branch at 1620 Union was renovated about a year ago with more desks and a drive-thru.

Reach Gazette reporter Haley Viccaro at 395-3114, [email protected] or @HRViccaro on Twitter.