PUBLIC HEARING of the Town Council held Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Town Building, Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees; Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Nancy F. Binns, Edward F. Bonczek and Margaret L. Dudley.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor Ronald E. Faford was excused due to illness.
1. Relative to showing public convenience and necessity to extend the hours of the following victualing license, according to Rhode Island General Law 5-24-1(b) as amended:
Dunkin’ Donuts in a building owned by Kingston Rd. Associates to apply at 1452 Bronco Highway (Assessor’s Map 145, Lot 14) Request to extend hours from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
NOTE: Notice of the Public Hearing was duly advertised in the Legal Section of the Woonsocket Call on Mondays, October 9, 16 and 23, 2006.
Notice was sent to all abutting property owners by certified mail, as required by law.
2. Proponents:
Michael LaPolla, the Chief Operating Officer of Dunkin’ Donuts, noted that the company’s intention was to be open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight.
3. Opponents:
Michele Reid of East Avenue spoke of issues related to the bright lighting of the plaza parking lot which interferes with sleeping. Ms. Reid also commented on additional noise as more businesses move into the plaza. Ms. Reid opposed Dunkin’ Donuts being opened between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Ms. Reid asked whether, if the 5:00 a.m. to midnight hours were approved, lights would be extinguished between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
Adam Hessler of Bronco Highway opposed Dunkin’ Donuts being opened between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Mr. Hessler’s concerns also related to the parking lot illumination, noise and late hours, in addition to a possible increase in trash along the roadway. Mr. Hessler was concerned that if the hours of 5:00 a.m. to midnight were approved, Dunkin’ Donuts might further extend hours of operation without proper notice and hearing.
4. VOTED to close the public hearing.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Nancy F. Binns. The motion was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Nancy F. Binns, Edward F. Bonczek and Margaret L. Dudley. Councilor Ronald E. Faford was excused.
Discussion: There was Town Council discussion relative to the parking lot lighting, which is an issue with the property owner rather than Dunkin’ Donuts, which leases space in the plaza. Walter J. Kane, Town Solicitor, suggested that the Town Council could instruct the administration to meet with the owner relative to the lighting issue.
VOTED to approve the change for the hour difference for 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.; and to request that the manager and Councilor William A. Andrews speak to the plaza owner to work on the lighting issue.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The motion was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Nancy F. Binns, Edward F. Bonczek and Margaret L. Dudley. Councilor Ronald E. Faford was excused.
5. VOTED to adjourn at 7:13 p.m.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor William A. Andrews. The motion was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, William A. Andrews, Nancy F. Binns, Edward F. Bonczek and Margaret L. Dudley. Councilor Ronald E. Faford was excused.
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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