Plans for a proposed building where Routes 2 and 27 split in New Sharon would house a drive-through Dunkin’ Donuts and another retail business. The plans indicate three spaces, but there will only be two businesses, franchisee Dan Silvestre said.
NEW SHARON — The Planning Board has given conditional approval for a Dunkin’ Donuts and another retail business on the corner of Routes 2 and 27.
New Sharon Crossing proposes a 10,000-square-foot building to house the businesses, said Dan Silvestre, who along with a Biddeford business partner, pitched the project.
Silvestre and his wife, Jackie, operate three Dunkin’ Donuts, one in Livermore Falls and two in Farmington, one downtown and the other on the Wilton Road.
Following a public hearing and Planning Board site plan review, both held this week, the board approved the project with conditions of pending permits from the Maine Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Protection. These should be issued soon, Code Enforcement Officer Jim Fleming said.
Some board members voiced concern over language and state subdivision criteria, Chairman Tracy Brackett said.
The Dunkin’ Donuts would be a drive-through-only business at first, Silvestre said.
A potential space for seating in the Dunkin’ Donuts was viewed as a third space in the development, Fleming said.
Silvestre agreed to two spaces, two businesses, he said.
Brackett said the Planning Board would discuss the language at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at the Town Office.
With only a site plan review to work from, the board has to either accept, accept with conditions or deny, Fleming said.
A few residents attended the hearing Monday at which engineers from Sebago Technics of South Portland gave a presentation.
Some people were excited about the project, and some voiced concerns, mostly about traffic safety, Silvestre said.
MDOT has already deemed an entrance and exit suitable for Route 27 but only an exit opening for Route 2.
A traffic study has been done, Silvestre said.
With many people heading to Augusta for work and school and a lack of space at the downtown Farmington shop for a drive-through, the location in New Sharon was appealing, he said.
A Realtor is working with the company to find the right business for the retail space, he said.
Silvestre sees the potential for 50-60 new jobs between the two businesses, he said.
“It is a positive for the whole community,” he said of the potential to bring in more business and tax revenue.
The building will sit on about an acre and a half. Two houses on the property will be removed. About 50 parking spaces are planned.
Once the company has the necessary permitting, the project will go out to bid for construction, Silvestre said.
abryant@sunmediagroup.net
New Sharon Crossing proposes to build a drive-through Dunkin’ Donuts and another retail business at the corner where Routes 2 and 27 split. The two houses on the property will be removed.
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