WALDORF, Md. — The Board of Appeals has denied the Special Exception petition by Nitan Patel of SSN Waldorf, Inc., seeking approval to establish a fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru at the proposed Dunkin’ Donuts location at 3425 Leonardtown Road in Waldorf, Md.
The proposed site, covering approximately 0.812 acres in the Central Business (CB) Zone, included plans for direct highway access. The request was filed under the special exception provisions of the Charles County Zoning Ordinance, Article XIII, § 297-212, Use #6.02.310, and Article XXV, § 297-415.
During the meeting, board members discussed the potential impact on surrounding businesses, emphasizing that economic competition alone cannot be considered a valid reason for denying a permit under Maryland law. However, concerns were raised about potential traffic congestion and flow issues.
The manager of Donut Connections, a nearby business, expressed concerns about competition and increased traffic.
“I think it would hurt our livelihood,” the manager said. “They are similar to everything we do. We sell bagel sandwiches. Coffee and donuts are the main thing. That’s what we sell, so it would affect us. But the main thing is the traffic—the traffic in the area.”
Stan Brown, legal counsel for the board, affirmed that business competition is not a legitimate basis for rejecting the permit.
“In Maryland, it is improper to base zoning approval or denial on whether a business competes with another in the neighborhood,” Brown said.
Brown also suggested prohibiting left-hand turns at the site to alleviate traffic concerns. However, after further discussion, the board concluded that implementing such a restriction would be challenging.
Project manager Staci Lagana of Lorenzi, Dodds & Gunnill, Inc., presented the design plans for the proposed Dunkin’ Donuts during the meeting.
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Lol, doubt it was due to traffic. Everything they approve causes more traffic jams. Denied due to competition… They just don’t want to tell you that. Half of 301 would of been denied if it were due to traffic.
Agree
Right across the street from Donut Connection. You could throw a dount and hit it.
Good too much traffic and congestion to have more developments
There was already a bank there prior, do you think that should have never been there? Have you seen Waldorf? Please enlighten me about how you don’t want it to get built up and have worse traffic.
I’m not advocating for either side, but am glad someone is concerned over traffic concerns. I can tell you crosswalks are not available upon request.
Funny how they mention they can’t use “financial concerns” alone under MD law. So to protect the existing businesses they pretend to give a single F about traffic concerns. Laughable
I’m glad it was denied there’s nothing but junk food surrounding the entire Waldorf area, all of it is trash a new cookie place a new burger place. Unless you lived in both areas you would think it isn’t a big deal only those who know understand.
Right across the bridge in VA they have founding farmers, sweetgreen, Wholefoods. Healthy options.
It should have been denied nothing but junk food and trash all throughout the Waldorf area meanwhile right across the bridge in Virginia you have Whole Foods, Founding Farmers, sweetgreen, healthier options.
Waldorf doesn’t need any more junk added to it. It has enough already.
They should consider going to La plata, and go next to dairy queens. Use the old Capital One bank. We don’t need another Dunkin Donuts in Waldorf. There is one in Waldorf at the Shell gas station.