Have another traffic jam with your coffee!

Have another traffic jam with your coffee!

That’s what would happen if Upper Dublin Township approves changes to its ordinances that would lead to the opening of a Dunkin donut store along Dreshertown Avenue near Limekiln Pike, next to McDonalds and down the street from Wendy’s.

As a first step in this plan, the township’s planning commission is meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 at the township library, 520 Virginia Dr., Ft. Washington. Then, they will consider amending the text in the Dresher Overlay, an ordinance that governs how land use and development adhere to a set of regulations that encourage a greener, more healthy environment in the district.

Instead, the amendment would lead to the increase of traffic, create barriers for pedestrians, impose on neighboring residents and otherwise create a fast-food mecca in Dresher. Oh, but you could get your coffee without stepping out of your car.

More specifically, the amendments would benefit the operator of a Dunkin donuts shop proposed for the site of the former Santander Bank. The Dunkin operator needs the amendment so he can open a drive-thru operation, and open at 5:30 a.m. It would permit the Dunkin facility to have two drive-thru lanes, attracting even more traffic to one of the most congested intersections in the township. And, it would let the owner disregard township ordinances regulating signs in the Dresher Overlay district.

With residents living within 500 yards of the site, it would add to pollution and noise. And it isn’t necessary. Dunkin already operates within a service station around the corner without drive-thru lanes or intrusive signs.

If the planning commission recommends the approval of the text amendment, it would then go on to the township commissioners for final say. But if approved, the text amendment would break an agreement that was reached between the township, businesses and neighbors more than 20 years ago when the Overlay was first approved. Then, the commissioners heard neighbors voices and placed very specific limitations in the Overlay District ordinance – the same limitations that are being reviewed for amendment.

The Overlay was promised to help guide development in the area – making for architectural requirements, muted signage, sidewalks and an emphasis on pedestrian accessibility. It’s goal was to help establish a more village-like environment with shops that serve local residents – a town square.

While the ultimate dream may never happen, the Overlay has been successful in guiding recent development and remodeling. The CVS/townhouse/restaurant site were all built under the ordinance. So, too, was the memory care center. And, so was the remodeling of the Dreshertown Shopping Center. These developments improve Upper Dublin, and the Dresher Triangle. The proposed text amendment will do the opposite.

Please attend the meeting on Tuesday to let the planning commission know you object the text amendment. If you can’t, please send an email stating so to meeting@upperdublin.net by 5 p.m. of the day of the meeting.