Linden Street residents voiced concern about noise and lighting issues at a proposed Shipley Do-Nuts location, during Monday night’s public hearing.
Shipley’s is seeking approval from Bellaire City Council for a specific use permit that would allow them to use a drive-in window that is already installed at 5225 Bellaire. Shipley’s needs council’s approval in order to use the drive-in.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approving the specific use permit with a condition that requires Shipley’s to place a convex traffic mirror at the rear of the property.
“I have serious concerns about noise pollution,” said William Levy, a Linden Street resident. “I could literally throw a donut hole from my bedroom and hit the building.”
Levy was one of two residents who voiced concern about noise because of the close proximity of their homes to the shopping center. Mayor Cindy Siegel read a comment into the record that also referenced noise concerns.
Shipley Do-Nuts President Lawrence Shipley III said they try to target areas where drive-ins are possible and they are an important part of their business plan.
If approved, the store would open around 5 a.m. with employees getting to the location around 3 a.m. Shipley said they still need to determine when the store would close for the day.
The busiest time of day is usually between 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. on weekends, he said. Each transaction at the drive-in takes about 3 to 4 minutes and the same time frame would apply inside.
If council doesn’t approve the use of the drive-in, the location would still work as a walk-in, but the drive-in would be an asset to the restaurant, he said. The location will lend itself to indoor seating, but on a limited scale.
Jim Bryant, owner of the property at 5225 Bellaire, said he would be glad to work with neighbors whenever they have a problem.
“I think Shipley’s Do-Nuts will make Bellaire a good corporate citizen,” Bryant said.
Written comments regarding Shipley Do-Nuts specific use permit need to be submitted to City Clerk Tracy Dutton by noon on Oct. 14.
Council will deliberate on the specific use permit request during its regular meeting on Oct. 18.
robert riquelmy says
Mr. Shipley called donuts “comfort food”. Comfort food is a euphemism for habit forming and bad for your health. Mr. Shipley has a right to sell donuts in Bellaire, but we have no duty to facilitate by granting drive through privileges.