AUGUSTA — A developer who wanted to build a Dunkin’ Donuts on the city’s east side will pitch his plan to City Council Thursday, despite being rejected by city planners in August.

“The Planning Board unanimously voted against that proposal after strong opposition was expressed by residents of the affected neighborhood,” City Manager William Bridgeo said in a report to councilors Monday. “Nonetheless, the applicants do have the right to seek a zone change directly from Council and apparently it is their intention to do so.”

Cafua Management Company wants to change the zoning of 1 Davenport St. from a low density residential to a conditional local business zoning district and is scheduled to have its representative, Plymouth Engineering, make a pitch for the zone change to councilors at their Thursday meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

The company wants to build a new Dunkin’ Donuts, with a drive-thru window by combining 89 Stone St., which is in a business zone, and 1 Davenport St. into a single lot.

“We hope that the Council will see the value of the project and the rezoning to provide an opportunity for the redevelopment of the adjacent (89 Stone St.) lot,” company officials state in a letter to the city.

Numerous neighbors to the Davenport Street site spoke against the project when it went to the Planning Board, expressing concern it would bring additional traffic to an already heavily traveled and congested area.

A former auto repair shop is currently on 89 Stone St., and a home is on 1 Davenport. Both buildings would be demolished in the company’s plan for a new doughnut and coffee shop.

The company’s application filed with the city says the location would provide “an opportunity for residents in the neighborhood as well as inbound commuters on Stone Street to avoid denser and more congested traffic areas.”

Keith Edwards — 621-5647
kedwards@centralmaine.com