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Date: 3/13/2023
EASTHAMPTON — A special permit for a proposed East Street Dunkin’ was recently extended by the Easthampton Planning Board for another two years.
Background
Back in March 2021, the Planning Board approved a special permit and stormwater management permit for the construction of a drive-thru Dunkin’ restaurant on East Street.
The approval came with the caveat that the applicant — Emanuel Sardinha of American Dream Reality LLC — was required to install a traffic signal at the intersection of East Street and Route 5 because traffic was a major concern throughout the public meeting process, which lasted several months.
The project has drawn ire from area residents who disputed the traffic study and created a petition with 1,000 signatures looking to stop the project, all together.
At a December 2020 Planning Board meeting, Rob Levesque of R. Levesque Associates — the Westfield consulting firm working with American Dream Reality on the project — expressed his desire for a traffic signal at the intersection.
“It’s fair to say we know this intersection very well,” Levesque said. “We understand the issue. We have had heartfelt discussions about the traffic here. We see that a signal makes sense here. We see there is an existing problem that is going to grow and the project could make it worse.”
Levesque and Levesque and Jeff Bandini of McMahon Associates, which conducted the traffic study in the area, presented data that showed the intersection has experienced backlogs that are projected to grow even if the project is not approved.
Because Route 5 is a state highway, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) controls the intersection.
Present day
American Dream Reality currently has permission from MassDOT to pursue the traffic signal at the Route 5 and East Street intersection, as well as other off-site improvements such as bicycle and pedestrian upgrades and accommodations and the installation of pavement markings.
According to a letter sent to the Planning Board by McMahon Associtates, the traffic signal project is taking longer than expected, however.
In Easthampton, special permits expire after two years, according to Planning Board Chair Jesse Belcher-Timme, which is why the applicant sought a renewal at the March 7 meeting.
“We have an ordinance that has an expiration date of two years for a special permit if there hasn’t been substantial performance,” said Belcher-Timme. “The exception to that is if the delay is for good cause shown.”
The board found a good reason for the delay and believes that there “has been good faith and movement” regarding the pace of this project.
“I absolutely believe there’s been good movement, especially with the state,” said Planning Board member Chris Cockshaw. “I’m surprised about how fast it’s going, to be honest. I’m comfortable with extending it.”
With the permit extended, the goal is for the inspection, approval, and installation of the traffic signal to be completed within the next 20 months.
More information on the project is available on the Planning Board page of the city’s website.
The Planning Board also granted site plan approval for Center for Human Development (CHD) to renovate the building on 65 Union St. to house a behavioral health and support clinic for children and adults.
Back in 2021, CHD bought the former Manchester Hardware building 55-69 Union St. in Easthampton’s downtown for $1.4 million. The iconic hardware store closed after the owner retired late in 2020.
Once the new Easthampton building opens, the services at CHD’s existing clinic on 179 Union St. will transition to the new building.
“The clinic will function as an outpatient site, similar to any doctor’s or dentist’s office, with people arriving on site for counseling, therapy and supportive services, then leaving afterward,” read CHD’s operations and maintenance plan “The new center will also offer robust support for recovery from substance use disorders, with prescribers, clinicians and recovery coaches providing counseling and case management on site and on a mobile basis.”