September Public Hearing On Tap For Proposed Starbucks In Tolland

TOLLAND, CT — The development sequence over at Fieldstone Commons in Tolland seems to make sense.

An increase in residential dwellings brings the need for more coffee.

With that, a public hearing is slated for Sept. 11 to present plans for a new Starbucks — complete with a drive-through window. The PZC's Design Advisory Board is presently reviewing the plans, which were described by full board chairman Andy Powell as, "A typical Starbucks."

The proposal from Farmington-based Prospect Enterprises LLC calls for a 2,400-square foot coffee shop plus a drive-up window and lane, along with a patio and landscaping.

Drive-up windows have been the scourge of both developers and regulators in Tolland for years, leading up to the eventual permitting for the Dunkin' Donuts on Merrow Road after some time without one.

This time around, it might be a little easier, Powell said, because the plaza has a dedicated traffic signal at a state road, in accordance local regulations.

The Starbucks is proposed for a vacant area near a bank branch toward Merrow Road inside the plaza.

Meanwhile, work on a Santini Homes housing development of roughly 200 units has begun. Powell estimated the first phase of construction would be completed sometime in 2024.

The public hearing on the Starbucks will be part of the the PCZ's regular Sept. 11 meeting. It is slated to begin at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Hicks Municipal Center.

Powell said that, on paper, the Starbucks proposal seems to be a conforming use for the plaza.

Currently, Tolland is surrounded by Starbucks locations in Vernon, Manchester and Storrs.