The Peru Gazette

Dunkin’ Donuts Street View

Dunkin’ Donuts West View

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Pending a few more governmental approvals, by July 1^st Peru should have a new Dunkin’ Donuts adjacent to Langley Insurance on the Bear Swamp Road. The Peru Planning Board approved M & W Foods’ sketch plans at its Wednesday, February 10, 2016 meeting. More detailed drawings must be submitted to the planning board prior to final approval.

M&W Foods franchisee Ray Aley told the Peru Gazette that he hopes to break ground by May 1^st or sooner and open by than July 1^st. He said the restaurant would have about 25 full time equivalent employees.

The new Dunkin’ Donuts will include a drive-thru, a community meeting room and a lounge featuring a see-through linear fireplace visible from the product pickup area and the lounge.

Aley commented, “We’re longtime sponsors of the Peru Half-Marathon. I foresee the marathon’s planning committee meeting in our community room. I’m also excited about the outdoor patio space with its bike rack, tables and umbrellas surrounded by an extensively landscaped rain garden and grounds.”

Considerable planning board time was devoted to discussing the sidewalk requirement in Peru’s new zoning law. The law requires that any new Bear Swamp construction establish a sidewalk; however, at this point in time, the section in front of the new Dunkin’ Donuts would be “a sidewalk to nowhere.” The board decided to ask the Town Board to develop a long range Bear Swamp Road sidewalk plan. Should a sidewalk be required on one or both sides of the highway? What side of the road should it be on if only on one side?

After noting that he loves cycling, Ray Aley said a paved bike path from his restaurant to Rulfs Orchard made good sense to him. He said he would comply with whatever the town requires, a sidewalk or bike path.