Heads-Up: Dunkin Donuts Is Coming
To the Editor:
I am writing this to attempt to inform the residents of New Lebanon about an encroaching peril to the future of the town.
[private]
Too few are aware that Dunkin Donuts has submitted an application to build a new Drive-Thru store just East of the Stewarts Store on Rt. 20. This is the store that is presently located in Stephentown but is being forced to re-locate due to the plans of Cumberland Farms to expand.
New Lebanon is in dire need of more businesses and job options, BUT, what kind of businesses do we want to open the door to? If the town grants Dunkin Donuts’ permits, it will be open and operating by June. It will also subject us to the acceptance of any and all fast-food businesses that apply to build in New Lebanon going forward. If we allow Dunkin Donuts, we must also allow McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Subway,etc. Is that what we want for our unique, rural town? Do we want to become another cookie-cutter, fast-food freeway ?
Whatever the majority decides, it will be. However, I plead with the residents to consider this decision carefully, as it will affect our town forever. New Lebanon has never given-in to the commercialization that has destroyed so many other, small country towns, and we have managed to retain our rural flavor. Dunkin Donuts popping up in the center of town will end all that . Signs, lights, traffic, and the loss of the historical character of this town will be a reality. There is a brand-new, Dunkin Donuts at the Canaan Truck Stop, a mere 10 minutes from New Lebanon, and we have no need for another.
There is nothing illegal or against town codes that can prevent this blight, the ONLY way to stop Dunkin Donuts is to attend the Public Hearing at the Town Hall on April 19 at 7:30 p.m and have your say. If you cannot attend, then please send a letter or email to the Town Board and express your approval or objections to this project. Only the People can save the face of New Lebanon.
JJ. Johnson-Smith
Shaker Road, New Lebanon
photonicgirl@hotmail.com says
thank you so much for bringing this up. There are several businesses in New Lebanon that would be terribly impacted by a Dunkin Donuts. Don’t we have enough junk in New Lebanon with the Family Dollar store?
Jules Harrell
Cherry Plain, NY