Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin Robbins plan moves forward
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on July 26, 2016 1:46 PM
The Goldsboro Planning Commission voted Monday to recommend to city council the addition of a new Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins restaurant along North Berkeley Boulevard.
The combined donut and ice cream shop, which includes a sit-down restaurant, is planned to open in the former PNC bank building, at 500 N. Berkeley Blvd., near Cashwell Drive. Plans include renovation of the 3,492-square-foot building and the use of a drive-through.
"I'm actually more excited to see that building being revised instead of them building a new building," said Chris Boyette, planning commission chairman.
Boyette also agreed with a N.C. Department of Transportation recommendation that one of the North Berkeley Boulevard entrances, near the Cashwell Drive intersection, be closed during development.
Another entrance from North Berkeley Boulevard and one along Cashwell Drive will remain open for customers.
City staff will work with developers to configure onsite parking to accommodate a planned drive-through, which includes traffic wrapping around the building, said Jennifer Collins, Goldsboro assistant planning director.
The planning commission approved the site plan, with DOT modifications, and will recommend approval to the city council, which meets Aug. 1.
Dunkin' Donuts has been considering a Goldsboro location at least two years, with previous plans to open a new store on North Berkeley Boulevard near Mattress Firm, said James Rowe, Goldsboro planning director.
The company's interest is in line with Dunkin' Donuts stores opening across the nation in recent years, including many throughout North Carolina.
Also during the meeting, the commission approved a conditional use permit allowing the addition of a gameroom inside Big Jim's Pizza, located on U.S. 117 South, between Arrington Bridge Road and South George Street.
The applicant, Phoenix T, requested fewer parking spaces than required due to plans to add the gameroom as an accessory business and not a separate entity. Both businesses required 106 parking spaces, but the commission allowed a requested 26, with the stipulation that city staff monitor the business to determine of the parking is adequate.
The commission also approved a conditional use permit for Phoenix T to operate a 1,100-square-foot laser tag center in the former Longhorn Sweepstakes parlor. The property is also on U.S. 117 South, near Big Jim's Pizza,
The commission also approved:
* A preliminary subdivision plan on Belfast Road, between Salem Church Road and Interstate 95, that allows for the sale of a 1.43 acre lot for future development of a Dollar General store.
* A six-unit apartment complex on Olivia Lane, near Poplar Street.
The planning commission decisions are recommended to city council, which will review the items during its Aug. 1 meeting.
The Goldsboro Board of Adjustment also met Monday and approved a variance for Habitat for Humanity of Goldsboro-Wayne that allows a 32.93 setback, from the required 50 feet frontage requirement from Horseshoe Drive. The decision allows the nonprofit the ability to build a single-story home on the lot.
The city of Goldsboro plans to add a fence near the property that prevents traffic from crossing through the property off Surrey Drive.
Residents spoke about concerns involving motorists who continue to drive on the property, even after a court order determined the property was not part of Surrey Drive.
Matthew Whittle, Habitat for Humanity executive director, said several Habitat homeowners live in the area and, the variance will add to Habitat's efforts.
"This has been a good neighborhood for our homeowners," Whittle said.