Joliet OKs Dunkin' for Six Corners

The Joliet City Council has approved plans to build a Dunkin' at Six Corners.

The plan, which stalled in June amid questions of its impact on traffic at the busy intersection, was approved Tuesday with assurances that restrictions could be put in place if turns in and out of Dunkin' prove troublesome later.

The Dunkin’ doughnut and coffee shop will be built at 800 N. Raynor Ave., a vacant lot at the corner of Ruby Street and across an alley from Thayer Bros. Deli & Grille.

The property already had the zoning needed to build the Dunkin’. But council approval was needed for a drive-thru permit.

Some restrictions for the sake of traffic flow are in the plan now, including limited access from Ruby Street where motorists can only turn right into the Dunkin’. There will be no exit onto Ruby Street.

City traffic engineer Russ Lubash said the full access driveway on Raynor Avenue was located as far from the corner as possible to limit interference with traffic.

Council member Larry Hug, however, questioned whether left turns out of the Dunkin’ during morning rush hours would create problems. Hug said he was satisfied when the owner agreed to a provision allowing the city to restrict left turns at certain times if they prove a problem.

The building to be constructed will accommodate the Dunkin’ shop and one other business yet to be determined.

The second business will be one with limited traffic and parking needs, said Mario Valentini, architect for the project.

“We’re not asking for any variances,” Valentini told the council’s Public Service Committee when it reviewed the project. “That doesn’t usually happen.”