Neighbors Fight Dunkin' Donuts Proposal Online

Neighbors of a proposed Dunkin’ Donuts at the corner of Tremont and West Brookline streets have launched an online crusade against the project, arguing that the restaurant’s size would negatively impact the neighborhood. 

On a blog entitled “Voices for Fair Commercial Development in the South End,” neighbors have aired a list of grievances against developer Clayton Turnbull’s proposal to construct a 3,000-square-foot coffee shop in a vacant retail space. At the crux of their argument is the fact that fast food take-out restaurants over 2,500 square feet are currently forbidden under Article 64 of the city’s zoning code.  

Turnbull, who already operates eight Dunkin’ Donuts stores including a South End location at 616 Mass Ave., has requested a variance with the Zoning Board of Appeals after his initial proposal was denied by the Inspectional Services Department.

In his appeal, Turnbull wrote that the board should grant him relief “to get economic develeopment [sic] in this area,” adding that the franchise would bring 25 new jobs to the neighborhood.

“This will bring new and improved business to the area,” he added.

But neighbors who live above the proposed restaurant say they don’t want the type of business that the chain store offers. Among the key issues presented on the “Voices” blog is the franchise’s potential impact on the local business environment. 

“Neighborhoods that are more discriminating about the kinds of businesses that enter their community create a more stable, more attractive business and residential environment,” the post reads.

Turnbull’s current proposal, as outlined by members of the Pilot Block Neighborhood Association who met with him to discuss the project, would turn the entire corner space at 655 Tremont Street into a coffee shop with free wi-fi, comfortable seating and the usual coffee and donut offerings. A muted Dunkin’ Donuts sign would be displayed on the Tremont Street side of the building, and trash cans for customers would be placed out front and emptied by employees. 

On his appeal application Turnbull also requested permission for “outside walk seating” at the restaurant.  

Neighbors gathered at a recent Pilot Block meeting said they were adamantly opposed to another restaurant moving into the area.

“Our block…has the highest concentration of restaurants in all of the neighborhood,” said Nancy Downer, who owns a condominium at 655 Tremont. ”We simply don’t think that we can accommodate any more.”

Other residents of the building said they would not have purchased their condos had they known a restaurant would move in. 

“If it had been zoned for food, I would not have made the purchase,” Omar Lyles said of his decision to buy his condo.

Members of the Pilot Block Neighborhood Association have invited the developer to present his plan to residents at a neighborhood meeting before appearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals. That meeting has not yet been scheduled.

Meanwhile, residents have taken to the internet to voice their concerns. The “Voices” blog includes a petition opposing the “MEGA” Dunkin’ Donuts. As of Monday morning, the petition had garnered just over 100 signatures.

"If developed strategically--in accordance with the laws and with support of the neighborhood--the commercial space at 655 Tremont St. will have a tremendous positive impact on the community," the petition reads. "Adding a national chain food establishment is not the way to achieve this goal."