Residents to resume charge against planned Dunkin’ Donuts

A controversial proposal to build a new, free-standing Dunkin’ Donuts in Gooding Plaza is back before the Bristol Zoning Board of Review next Wednesday, when residents are expected to resume their opposition to the plan.

The proposal to build the store in front of the existing location, between the Defiance Hose Company and BankNewport, is back before the board May 31 at 7 p.m., after several delays and continuances dating back to last September. The board has now heard more than 12 hours of testimony on the proposal — most from the team of Christopher Prezeres, who owns the exiting Dunkin’ in Gooding Plaza but wants a free-standing store with a drive-thru.

Residents finally got their say on April 13, and one after another lambasted a plan they say will further exacerbate an already difficult traffic situation around the Hope Street - Gooding Avenue intersection. Residents have told of delays as long as 10 minutes to turn onto Hope Street, especially from the Fales Road neighborhood directly across the street from the proposed shop.

The Defiance Hose Company has also expressed concerns about traffic in the area, voting unanimously on Jan. 4 to oppose the donut shop’s construction.

After more than three hours of testimony April 13, a long line of residents remained to voice their opposition, forcing the continuance to May 31, when the public hearing will resume. The residents have disputed a traffic study Mr. Prezeres’ team has presented, reiterated the frustrating traffic situation they face daily, and expressed concern for fire safety in the area as trucks would have more difficulty accessing and leaving the Defiance station.

Police Chief Josue Canario and Fire Chief Michael DeMello have both advised the Zoning Board against approving the proposal, saying the traffic is too much in that location to handle such a high-volume store.