Opponents of a Dunkin’ Donuts proposed for a busy Morristown corner spent about two hours grilling the project’s traffic expert this week.
Another hearing on the application– pending since January — is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2015, when testimony is anticipated from the applicant’s planner.
The project requires a dual-use variance to share space with a gas station at the intersection of Washington and Mills streets, a neighborhood zoned for offices and residences.
On Wednesday, traffic consultant Joseph Staigar maintained that the shop will generate only six additional vehicle trips per hour.
Under cross-examination, however, his projections were challenged by a dozen or so residents.
Some expressed concerns that vehicles exiting the site during peak periods, when traffic stacks up at the stop light at Mills and Washington streets, will get frustrated trying to make a left onto Mills and instead will turn right.
That would lead motorists past the Alexander Hamilton elementary school and Morristown High Schools.
“Everyone who spoke was concerned about the accuracy of the traffic analysis, and more importantly, about safety issues of incoming traffic in the area of two major schools,” said Councilman Stefan Armington, who represents that part of town, the Third Ward.
Armington attempted to address the board, but the applicant’s attorney objected, saying it posed a potential conflict.
“Dunkin’ Donuts is not a destination,” said former Morristown Mayor Jay DeLaney Jr., who represents applicant Madison Enterprises LLC. “It’s not like the Short Hills Mall, it’s not like Whole Foods, it’s not like the (Morris County) Courthouse.”
Other neighborhoods already are served by a pair of Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants, so it’s unlikely residents will be driving cross-town to this one, DeLaney said. And morning commuters driving into town from Mendham probably won’t want the hassle of making a left turn into the shop, he said.
“It will self-regulate,” the lawyer said.
“I can’t say they’ve convinced me one way or the other,” board Chairman Cary Lloyd said afterward. The residents’ questions provided “food for thought,” he said.
Previously, the applicant removed a drive-through window from the plans. Modifications also include more parking spaces, for a total of 11, DeLaney said.
The project needs five of seven votes from the board,
“The process is working,” said town planning consultant Phil Abramson. “The board is handling the job very professionally. The chairman is doing a great job, the members of the public are doing a good job. Everyone is serving the role they were intended to serve, to manage these issues.”
