Across from the Home Depot on Route 112 in Coram, just to the north of the Ocean Crab House that closed earlier this year, a developer is proposing to build a Dunkin’ Donuts with a drive-through. A building currently on the property will be torn down and the land cleared for the new chain coffee place.
An application submitted to the Town of Brookhaven calls for the restaurant to have queuing up to 8 cars in the drive-through along with 15 parking stalls. Those numbers are variances from Town code. The town requires 12 queuing spaces and 21 parking spaces for this project.
The 2.59-acre irregularly shaped property is on the southwest corner of Route 112 and Middle Country Road. Egress to the property would be from both Route 112 and Middle Country Road, according to plans.
The Coram Civic Association supports the project.
At the September 29th board meeting Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner expressed concern for garbage accumulating in the area.
“I’m on the litter warpath,” she said.
A covenant makes it the responsibility of the operator that the area is kept clean and well-maintained.
In a presentation to the board, a representative said that a second building that used to be on the property had been knocked down in the past and nature had reclaimed the parking lot. A second, existing structure, which served most recently as a business for tarot card and astrology readings, will be torn down to make room for the new project that includes the 2,079-square-foot Dunkin’ Donuts building, drive-through, and parking.
“We’re seeking to bring some light to a blighted area,” said the representative.
Residents came to the public meeting to express support for the project.
“I think it’s needed, especially where it is and I think it will be a plus for the neighborhood,” said one Port Jefferson Station resident.
The new Dunkin’ Donuts, according to those who came out to speak about the new development, will fix a property that many consider an eyesore.
“That whole corner has been a blight for years,” said another resident.
The town board approved the application at the meeting.