Rolling Meadows Dunkin' Donuts drive-through proposal withdrawn
A proposal for a 24-hour drive-through Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin-Robbins in Rolling Meadows has been withdrawn after opposition from neighboring condominium owners.
The Rajabali Group, which operates several of the coffee shops throughout the suburbs, proposed to open a location inside the shuttered Bowl House restaurant at 1921 Algonquin Road. It would have included outdoor seating, a general meeting area and three conference rooms.
Rajabali was seeking a special use and sign appeal/variance from the city, but city officials said the owner pulled its petition as the site and the building is redesigned because of the concerns of neighbors.
The petitioner is currently working on new floor plans, then will develop elevations and site plans for submission to the city, officials said.
The Saratoga Condominium Association, composed of 276 residential units at 5500 Astor Lane, opposed the original project on grounds it would affect residents' health, quality of life and property values - as the proposed drive-through lane is only 30 feet from the windows and patio doors of one of the condo buildings, according to Jonathan Rogers, an attorney representing the condo owners.
Residents have argued that the drive-through would mean light and noise spillage onto their properties, and idling cars that produce emissions. They also say a proposed 7-foot board-on-board fence and landscaping at the property line wouldn't be good enough.
Residents also have argued that entering and exiting the Saratoga property from Algonquin Road is already difficult, but would be exacerbated by a high-volume drive-through.
Condo owners have had conversations with the developer about their concerns.
"We had some very positive, productive talks about them doing things to mitigate the harm to residents," Rogers said Tuesday. "I think we're making good progress. I'm not sure how the decision to withdraw the petition and go back to the drawing board will affect that."
Officials with The Rajabali Group and its architecture firm, Kolbrook Design, didn't respond to requests for comment.