Dunkin Donuts In Mendham? Locals React To Proposed Drive-Thru

MENDHAM, NJ — The proposal to build a Dunkin Donuts in Mendham Borough has been a hot topic of conversation for residents recently, dividing the town and bringing up questions about what defines Mendham's charm.

Dozens of Patch readers told us what they thought of the proposal, which is currently still going through the approvals process. You can read some of their comments here.

Some Mendham residents were excited at the idea of a local Dunkin Donuts:

• Yes. That building has been vacant and an eyesore for years.
• Yes to competition in "Mendham!" We want more business not less especially with the loss of the Mendham coffee shop
• Bring it on. This is long overdue for Mendham.

The location, on Main Street near the Audi dealership, was a sticking point for some residents, who believed it would create traffic issues:

• Yes, but traffic in that location will be a problem perhaps.....
• Have no problem if they want to put a Dunkin Donuts in the Strip Mall. Have a problem in this location given traffic issues. Think about the cars from kids going to high school backing up main street to get coffee etc.
• This will bring more traffic in town. They need a traffic light now because we can't get on Main St. from Kings, etc.

Read more: Dunkin Donuts Proposal To Be Discussed At Mendham Borough Meeting

The proposed drive-thru was a concern for many commenters, citing traffic issues:

• A DD isn't the end of charming little Mendham, but I am 100% opposed to the concept of a drive thru at this location. The traffic would be an unsafe nuisance.
• I'm not against any chain place. Just anything with high volume traffic in that location is stupid. A better place would be the shopping center.

A chain opening in the borough didn't bother some, but they voiced preference for something else:

• I'm not against a chain, but I'd rather have a convenience store. Half Dunkin Donuts/half 711?
• I would prefer a Starbucks, but DD works too.
• I'd rather it be a Starbucks and rather it be in the strip mall instead either way.

Some where concerned with how a chain store could change the character of the borough:

• From a distance and a minds eye view from the past, there are precious few beautiful places in the United States like the Mendham’s and surrounding communities. However convenient, you don’t have to look at chain drug stores, McDonalds or Starbucks on every corner.
• This is a hot topic in town... I get it. Mendham is so special and unique without franchisey type stores and businesses... but alas, that empty building is an eyesore and has been left that way for years and years.

What do you think?

Image: A stock photo of a Dunkin Donuts, taken by Mike Mozart, Flickr