Joe and Joni Glassman of New Hope want to open the franchise at Bridge and Main streets.
By: Linda Seida
NEW HOPE Americans may run on Dunkin’, but the process of getting a Dunkin’ Donuts into the borough is turning into more of a crawl.
It may be a while before people can buy a doughnut or cup of coffee from the franchise in New Hope.
Joe and Joni Glassman of New Hope want to open a Dunkin’ Donuts at Bridge and Main streets, but need to complete a conditional use hearing and obtain a permit.
The hearing that began in April was supposed to continue last week. It was postponed at the Glassmans’ request because of a need to complete some of the paperwork the borough requested, Borough Manager John Burke said.
The hearing is scheduled to resume June 13.
Last month, the borough asked the Glassmans to provide vehicular and pedestrian traffic studies. The borough also wants to know the proposed plan for trash removal and deliveries.
The Glassmans’ attorney, Martin King of Cordes and King in Newtown, said they intend to return to complete the hearing and pursue the permit that will allow them to open their Dunkin’ Donuts.
Contributing to the delay was an engineer’s request that certain drawings or renderings be composed to a specific scale, and it was not possible to have them prepared in time for the previously scheduled May 9 hearing, Mr. King said.
The storefront where the Glassmans want to install their franchise sits directly across the street from a Starbucks at the foot of the bridge in the heart of town. The storefront formerly housed Sterling’s Boutique.
The shop is 517 square feet. The plan calls for 10 seats and five stools, according to Mr. King.
The proposal is stirring up some controversy. Mr. King claimed in April that borough officials were discriminating against the Glassmans because they do not want another chain or franchise in town, especially in the heart of a historic and tourist-heavy area.
Mr. Burke has denied the allegation. He has said the applicants are not being treated any differently than any other applicant, and the council is within its rights to request the studies to ensure there are no hazards at one of the most congested intersections in the borough.
The Glassmans also own a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise in Richboro, Pa.