America runs on Dunkin’, but does Westhampton Beach?

With over 7,200 locations across the United States, Dunkin’ Donuts might be nestling its hefty franchise right here in our hometown.

Many of you have been aware of the construction going on across from the WHB Deli on Montauk Highway. Westhampton Beach True Value will be calling this complex its new home, along with Dunkin’ Donuts right at its side.

While I am so happy that the hardware store where everyone is known by their name is expanding and growing, the presence of this huge corporate franchise will tear WHB’s curb appeal.

According to the Westhampton-Hampton Bays Patch, the Building and Zoning Administrator for the village, Paul Houlihan,  a Dunkin’ Donuts is a permitted use under the village’s zoning ordinance, provided it meets the village’s definition of either a luncheonette or a restaurant, which states that the business must have seating and a single cash register.

Any big franchise would strip the character from our quaint town. Not only would it ruin the face of Westhampton Beach, it would hit hard on the small, family businesses of our town.

I would be appalled if the Westhampton Beach Village approves of Dunkin’ Donuts moving to Westhampton Beach. The Village has many times before scorned businesses for meticulous things, putting permits on everything, placing controversy on outdoor seating at restaurants; even the size tile that goes down in their business- to make sure it’s for the “better of the community.”

The Westhampton Village has indeed approved the new building for retail and medical offices, according to Houlihan. Developer Paul Pawlowski is expected to submit an application to the Westhampton Beach Planning Board and the Suffolk County Health Department for the Dunkin Donuts in the near future.

The real question is: Will this Dunkin’ Donuts better our community?

This Dunkin’ Donuts will draw crowds that have never experienced the atmosphere of our up-and coming town and will expose everything that Westhampton Beach has to offer. The reason why people are so attracted to the charm of our town is because of the lack of presence of monopolistic chains.

As a community we should be praising our small businesses. This is a matter of sustaining our knit community or becoming a monopolized, franchised town. The Westhampton Beach Village needs to make the right decision for the whole community.