Plans for West End Dunkin’ Donuts on hold, for now

Plans to open a Dunkin’ Donuts in the West End — which drew the ire of many residents who said the franchise would hurt the character of the community and impact local businesses — are, at least for now, on hold, according to a realtor close to the negotiations.

Joe Sinnona, a realtor with Verdeschi Realty Inc., said that despite the public outcry, a lease has not been signed and that Dunkin’ Donuts is one of several businesses who have expressed interest in leasing the vacant property, at 1070 West Beech Street, once home to West Beech Beverage. Still, Sinnona said that the negotiations with the prospective Dunkin' Donuts franchisee and property owner are ongoing, adding that he could not disclose details of the talks.

“I can tell you in all honesty there’s nothing going on here — there’s not even a lease, or a binder or an offering,” said Sinnona, adding that an associate broker is handling the listing. “Dunkin’ Donuts is not yet convinced that we can come to a 100 percent agreement with the owner, therefore we will continue to look to put something there for the betterment of our community. Plans for a Dunkin’ Donuts are on hold at the moment because we are still negotiating.”

The potential opening of the business was announced at the Oct. 25 West End Neighbors Civic Association meeting, and quickly sparked concern among residents who say that the franchise would hurt the West End community by taking business away from local coffee shops, delis and restaurants, and would ultimately impact property values in the neighborhood.

Association President Rick Hoffman, who is also a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, told residents that a variance is not required because the property is already in a commercial zone. Residents' only option, he said, is to meet with the City Council and potential owner to express their opposition to the franchise. Indeed, several residents told the council at the Nov. 1 meeting that the business would hurt the “character of the community.”

Hoffman said that he spoke to the property owner and explained that the community is not interested in “this type” of business.