We, the homeowners and neighbors of properties near and adjacent to the proposed Dunkin restaurant with Drive-through 5 & 9 East Street Easthampton, MA (Map 110 Parcel 12 &13) [hereafter referred to as “Proposed Dunkin”] object to the demolition of 5 & 9 East Streets and the development of the Proposed Dunkin on the following grounds:

·       Traffic: The Proposed Dunkin traffic study was completed in January and does not reflect current traffic conditions. The adjusted data do not reflect the new traffic pattern that would be created by an ingress and egress side-by-side, both of which would significantly impact both traffic flow and speed along East Street, impacting nearby residents.

o   The presumption that most trips to the Proposed Dunkin would be “pass-by” trips does not evaluate the additional burden of traffic and roadways that such trips would make, regardless of being already in progress. Such travelers would stop, turn into the drive-through, circle around, and exit into traffic again, thereby effectively doubling their road use and traffic flow.

o   Loss of safe use of sidewalks. The sidewalk along East Street at the site of the Proposed Dunkin would become virtually unusable during hours of operation, which include daylight and evening hours, thereby negatively impacting the nearby residents, their families and animals.

·       Litter: Absent a plan to remove additional litter from the sidewalk, roadway, and nearby areas (including the Oxbow boat launch) there will be an additional and unacceptable burden on the city and private landowners to clean up trash from the Proposed Dunkin, including to-go beverage containers, food that will attract vermin, and paper litter such as napkins and Dunkin bags.

·       Nuisance parking, standing and loitering: The Proposed Dunkin would not only increase traffic flow, but increase standing, idling, parking, and loitering in the immediate area, thereby increasing the air pollution and noise, and decreasing neighborhood safety.

o   Likewise, such traffic will impede nearby residents and those genuinely passing through from freely using East Street as a roadway.

·       Light and noise pollution: The Proposed Dunkin would increase light and noise (via traffic, machinery (before during and after demolition and construction), and crowding, before, during and after construction. This will significantly and negatively impact the area residents.

·       Loss of trees and landscaping: The area between and behind 5 & 9 East Streets is currently home to mature trees that provide light blocking and natural habitat for a variety of species. Ecologically, their destruction would lead to an imminent loss of habitat, actual life, and biodiversity. The destruction of this area would also contribute to direct loss of quality of life for nearby residents.

·       Neighborhood aesthetics: The Proposed Dunkin would be the first sight travelers encounter past the “Welcome to Easthampton” sign. The Proposed Dunkin—a national chain-- is antithetical to the aesthetics of Easthampton and its unique small business aesthetic.

o   The construction of such a building would be a permanent blot on the neighborhood aesthetics and contribute to the decline in the quality of Easthampton life.

For the reasons listed above and many not included, we the residents near and adjacent to the Proposed Dunkin object to its development. We the undersigned are concerned citizens who urge our leaders to act now to stop the construction of this unnecessary and congestive site.