EASTHAMPTON — A Westfield developer is seeking to renew an existing special permit that will allow him to construct the third Dunkin’ within the city’s limits.

On Tuesday, the Planning Board will review the renewal special permit application of Emanuel Sardinha of American Dream Realty LLC, who is looking to add another location to the national doughnut and coffee shop chain at 5 and 9 East St.

In March 2021, the Planning Board approved a special permit to construct the 1,920-square-foot drive-thru coffee shop, with the caveat that the developer was required to install a stoplight at the intersection of East Street and Route 5 as traffic was a major issue of concern, according to City Planner Jeff Bagg.

In fact, area residents who were opposed to the project and disputed the traffic study started a petition that collected more than 1,000 signatures looking to stop the project.

The process has been a long one for the applicant, who first first applied for a special permit in April 2020. Bagg said there were a total of eight public hearings until their original approval in March 2021.

In addition to installing a traffic signal, the applicant also had to demolish a single-family house built in 1900. But before the Planning Board granted approval for the demolition, the developer needed to show that they are at least 75% through the approval process for design and permitting of the traffic signal with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and demonstrate that funding has been obtained and set aside to complete the intersection improvements.

Two years later, the developer has an access permit in hand from MassDOT. The project permitting with the state agency has taken longer than anticipated, according to a letter submitted to the board by Paul Furgal of McMahon Associates, on behalf of Sardinha.

“The applicant is respectfully requesting the board for a two-year renewal to allow for the off-site improvements to be constructed,” Furgal said.

Overall, Bagg estimates that the public hearing will be “straightforward” as the Planning Board will evaluate if there have been any significant changes with the project within the neighborhood as there have been no zoning ordinance changes in the area.

If the Planning Board approves the renewal, Furgal anticipates that the intersection improvements will be installed, inspected and approved by the states in 20 months.

Emily Thurlow can be reached at ethurlow@gazettenet.com.]]>