Readers Sound Off: 'Dunkin' Donuts Could Open Village to Big Franchises'

Patch readers have mixed reviews on a proposal to bring a Dunkin' Donuts to a new 12,000 square-foot building being built at 223 Montauk Highway for True Value Hardware. Many fear that allowing a franchise into the village, opens Pandora's box in the village. 

However, franchise or not, Building and Zoning Administrator for the village Paul Houlihan said a Dunkin' Donuts is a permitted use under the village's zoning ordinance, provided it meets the village's definition of either a luncheonette, which states that the business must have seating and a single cash register or as a restaurant. 

Developer Paul Pawlowski is expected to submit an application to the Westhampton Beach Planning Board and Suffolk County Health Department for the Dunkin' Donuts in the near future and at that point, Houlihan said the village will have an opportunity to review the plan.

The following is a round-up of what readers had to say about the project. Feel free to keep the conversation going by posting your thoughts in the comment section below. 

MLT: Westhampton Beach will allow a Franchise in town, here comes Mcdonalds

ML: I think this is great!!!! And a new hardware store!!! Progress for the people!!!!

eatto: "It's just one store" - then Olive Garden, TGI Fridays, Applebees, McD's, Home Depot, Walmart, Country Heroes turns into a Subway....and *Poof!* - all character is stripped from the town.

Kym Laube: I am certainly happy for our community grown new hardware store where you are known by name. However, I am saddened by a chain/franchise "have to check with corporate" business coming here. We need more curb appeal, more community charm with a personal touch. Not sure will will get there this way.

cbg: We don't need Dunkin Donuts they already have one in Quogue, before you know it we will have one on every corner. Chain/franchise should not be allowed in the community. That is what I like getting away from.

Paula McCombs Loughlin: One of the most distinguishing features of our community, no franchises, will bite the dust. Make way for the big corporations coming in, making our town just like all the rest. What are they thinking?