Wrightstown has allowed construction to resume on an in-the-works Dunkin’ following the granting of a variance by the local Technical Review Board.
The planned Dunkin’ — the new shortened name of the Massachusetts-headquartered coffee and doughnut chain long known as Dunkin’ Donuts — needed the variance to modify sprinkler and water requirements for an on-site system.
The variance allows the Dunkin’ to install a sprinkler system that meets a residential sprinkler design standard that’s typically focused on one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes.
The system essentially requires not storing as much water on site, but still provides necessary fire protection, given the small size of the Dunkin’ building — 1,824 square feet, officials said. The Dunkin’ needed the variance — essentially relief from strict application of the requirements of zoning to fit the particularities of a property/project — because it couldn’t find adequate space on the 1.8-acre site to install a 12,500-gallon water tank, which was previously what township officials were looking for. A 1,500 gallon water tank has since been Okayed.
Supervisors haven’t opposed the variance, noting that the system that will go into place will give at least 10 minutes flow to allow occupants time to get out in the event of a fire. Other fire protection measures will be in place, too.
“Ted Middleman — Wrightstown’s Code Enforcement Officer — has allowed Dunkin’ to resume construction activities based on the variance,” noted Supervisor Chairman Chester Pogonowski. “The township solicitor will now be preparing a modification to the land development resolution to formally track and document the changes granted by the Technical Review Board on the land development agreement for historical reference.”
Supervisors approved the resolution enshrining the changes at a June 19 public meeting.
The planned new Dunkin’, which received land development approval in 2021, would be on Route 413 near Route 232 and Park Avenue. It’s a traffic-heavy spot sometimes referred to as “Five Points.”
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