The Oley Zoning Board on Tuesday night gave developer Mark Zlocki the news he has waited nearly a year to hear by unanimously approving his request to bring a Dunkin’ Donuts to Oley Township.
The restaurant and drive-thru will be located at the site of the former Legion Diner located on Route 73.
The board voted 3-0 to approve all sign and parking variances and a special exception for a drive-thru. Board chairman James R. Coker noted that Zlocki had worked hard to comply with the township, something board members greatly appreciated.
‘We feel you will be an asset to the community,’ Coker said.
Zlocki, of ARod Entities LLC, Douglassville, said construction will begin immediately and he hopes to open within 60 to 90 days. He says he hopes to hire from within the community.
‘We can’t wait to be part of the Oley Valley area,’ Zlocki said. ‘We’ve been working at this project for quite some time, and we’re very excited. We’re going to get moving very quickly.’
The design presented to the zoning board reflects the historic quality township supervisors wanted Zlocki to incorporate. The restaurant will have the minimum signage allowed by Dunkin’ Brands and will be surrounded by a hedgerow of trees in order to keep noise to a minimum.
The plan also calls for improvements to Route 73, including a left-hand turn lane for eastbound traffic headed into the restaurant. Zlocki said he is working with PennDot to get the roadwork finished as soon as possible, although he doesn’t expect it to be completed before he opens.
Residents who asked to be parties to the zoning process have a 30-day window within which to file an appeal.
