Revised Dunkin' Donuts plans move ahead in Rolling Meadows
Seven months after a proposal for a Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin-Robbins in Rolling Meadows triggered pushback from residents of a neighboring condominium complex, both sides say they're working together and a revised proposal is moving forward.
The city's planning and zoning commission on Wednesday night unanimously endorsed the latest plans for the combination doughnut/ice cream shop inside the shuttered Bowl House restaurant at 1921 Algonquin Road. Commissioners praised owner Rishad Rajabali and the Saratoga Condominium Association, composed of 276 residential units at 5500 Astor Lane, for having regular discussions over the last several months that led to revised plans to which both sides could agree.
"I appreciate the way the city, owner, architect and condo complex worked together to come up with something that meets everybody's needs," said commission vice chairman Dave Whitney.
Rajabali, who operates several Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin-Robbins stores in the suburbs, is planning to relocate his existing Dunkin' Donuts from a strip mall less than a mile away at 2230 W. Algonquin Road.
He initially proposed a 24-hour operation for the new Rolling Meadows location, but he agreed to shorten the hours after talking to the condo owners. The restaurant is now proposed to be open from 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Daily overnight doughnut deliveries would likely be made at 10 p.m. or 2 a.m., Rajabali said, and would come through the main door on the east side of the property. Original plans had deliveries on the north side, closer to the condos.
Steve Kolber, an architect with Kolbrook Design, which was hired by Rajabali, said the drive-through, menu board and pickup window will now be farther from the condos, as plans call for demolition of a portion of the rear of the building.
Trees will be planted and an eight-foot, board-on-board fence will also be installed at the western property line to screen the restaurant from the condos, Kolber said.
Rajabali said he would also contribute to installation of a motorized gate on the south side of the condo property to alleviate traffic concerns.
Jonathan Rogers, an attorney representing the condo owners, agreed that both sides worked well together to iron out residents' concerns.
The commission voted 8-0 to recommend approval of a special use and variances for the drive-through, an outdoor patio and signage, but the city council has final say. Aldermen are expected to take a first reading vote Aug. 22.