Hampden Planning Board Continues Dunkin' Donuts Hearing to September 23

Planning Board · Meeting of July 22, 2026

Hampden Planning Board continues Dunkin' Donuts special permit hearing to September 23. The board voted unanimously at its July 22 meeting to push the fourth public hearing on a proposed Dunkin' Donuts drive-through and retail development at 2 Summers Road to September 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., after members received revised site plans the day of the hearing with no response yet from peer reviewer Ty and Bond. Chair Matt Cohen disclosed that board member John Quackenbush is eligible under Mullen's Rule to participate as a fifth member at the September hearing after reviewing the April opening session, resolving a procedural concern triggered by departing member Christina Brodeur's final meeting.

Traffic peer reviewer Alan of Ty and Bond confirmed a signal is already warranted at East Longmeadow Road and Summers Road under existing conditions independent of the project. Stormwater peer reviewer Ashley Gilchrist of Ty and Bond said the applicant's proposed shift to a 40-mil polyethylene liner throughout the Zone 1 detention basin addresses the firm's outstanding concerns, and that post-development peak flow rates would decrease in all storm scenarios. The board also unanimously approved a separate special permit for Samantha Edge's Velour Laser Boutique at 13 Allen Street, a two-treatment-room physician-led laser services business within the Allen Street mini-mall.

In the full story:

• Opening Business and Board Membership Transition
• Case 2026-A: Dunkin' Donuts and Retail at 2 Summers Road, Traffic
• Case 2026-A: Dunkin' Donuts and Retail at 2 Summers Road, Stormwater
• Building Size and Retail Use
• Velour Laser Boutique, 13 Allen Street
• Continuance and Next Steps
• The complete report, 2,691 words

Source: the Planning Board meeting of July 22, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.