Officials Want Specifics of Washington Crossing Dunkin' Donuts Plan

In response to a petition with more than 400 signatures, the Upper Makefield supervisors have requested that the applicant seeking to put a Dunkin’ Donuts in Washington Crossing provide more information before the Zoning Hearing Board reviews its application for variances.

The Zoning Hearing Board was scheduled to review the application seeking variances for a convenience store and Dunkin’ Donuts at 1240 General Washington Memorial Blvd (Route 532). However, that hearing will likely be postponed now that the supervisors have weighed in.

During a meeting Tuesday, the Upper Makefield Supervisors voted unanimously to request the applicant seeking the variances file a continuance. The board said it would like to gather more specifics about the plan before deciding if it should send legal representation to the Zoning Hearing Board.

The supervisors’ action on the matter comes after more than 400 residents signed a petition opposing the Dunkin’ Donuts at the property. 

Resident Ronnie LaNasa, who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting, said he and his neighbors are concerned about tainting the village's character, as well as parking, traffic, landscaping and the accompanying trash that comes along with a Dunkin Donuts.

The group created an online petition, a paper petition and a Facebook page to spread the word of their effort.

LaNasa told the supervisors that before the variances are agreed upon, the township needs more information.

“Until they deliver a plan, why would we surrender this zoning?,” LaNasa said. “We just don’t know and until we know, why wouldn’t we fight this?”

LaNasa’s argument swayed the supervisors. 

“A variance is supposed to be granted when there is a hardship. I don’t feel this particular applicant has a hardship,” said supervisor Mary Ryan. “I feel we will be creating a hardship for the neighbors and the people who commute on 532.”

Supervisor Conrad Baldwin, agreeing with Ryan and LaNasa, made the motion to have the solicitor attend Tuesday’s hearing to represent the township. But, at the suggestion of board Chairman Dan Rattigan, the supervisors decided the best approach would be to ask the applicant to file a continuance so that the township can see the plans before taking a position.