Brick Township residents petition against proposed Dunkin'
The proposed location sits at the corner of Mantoloking Road, County Route 528 and Vannote Drive.
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A recent proposal to construct a new Dunkin' on Mantoloking Road in Brick Township is seeing pushback from hundreds of residents who signed a petition urging the town council to reconsider the project.
The proposed location sits at the corner of Mantoloking Road, County Route 528 and Vannote Drive.
The busy roadway connects Brick Township to the Shore and is already home to several businesses, both local and national chains.
A sign on the lot includes approval for a drive-thru, a feature that has raised concerns among neighbors.
"It's a pretty busy street already as it is," said Melissa Mitterhoff, of Brick.
Sherene Hopkins, who also lives nearby, said the anticipated additional traffic at her child's school bus stop is worrying.
"It's not safe for us, for our children," Hopkins said. "School just started today, and I just can’t imagine all that extra traffic."
Local residents have also pointed out the proximity to an existing Dunkin' location about a mile away. That location doesn’t have a drive-thru.
"I do frequent that one down the road and I get out and go in and get coffee. I don’t need a drive-thru," said Hopkins.
Despite the opposition, not all residents are against the new proposed Dunkin’.
“I’m a huge Dunkin' fanatic so I kind of can’t be mad about a new Dunkin' opening,” said Jess Noe.
Some local business owners also see potential upside.
Jason Navarro, who runs a gym called Upswing Fit nearby the already built Dunkin’, said more traffic could mean more customers.
"They bring a lot of traffic, which is great for my business. People love this Dunkin' over here," Navarro said.
Some hope the new Dunkin' won't come at the expense of local coffee shop.
"As much as I love it, I just hope it doesn’t drive out the local places that I like, like Lovebirds," she said.
The Brick Township Council recently heard testimony from the developer, along with concerns from residents.
A final vote on the project is expected at the end of October.
Residents opposing the project have hired professionals for their own independent traffic study.
