After a brief interruption due to an unsafe entrance to the Tops plaza coming off Vineyard Drive, Benderson Development has now continued construction of a drive-through lane and other exterior work for a new Starbucks coffee shop at the former AT&T building. Construction wraps around all three buildings in the strip of businesses near the Vineyard Drive entrance to the plaza – AT&T, Little Caesar’s, and T-Mobile – but all three businesses remain open during construction. AT&T is set to vacate the building by the end of August.

Down the street on Bennett Road, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has proceeded with construction, even through heavy rain in recent weeks. The shell of the building is up now, with work continuing in hopes of an opening date before the end of 2024.

The Lakeside Park solar energy project has not yet begun. A host community agreement is in the works.

Numerous complaints were submitted to the Town Clerk’s office regarding the former motor lodge on Route 5, near Shorewood Drive. Multiple issues with the property were observed, and some of the issues have since been addressed. The process is ongoing.

Pictured is the construction underway at the Tops Plaza off Vineyard Drive in the Town of Dunkirk. The work is being done to create a drive through lane for a new Starbucks coffee shop.

Five building permits were issued and two zoning variances were approved in the month of July.

After a recent meeting with a representative from Casale Plumbing and Heating, Town Board member Bob Price believes the boiler in the Town Hall is not in as bad of shape as the Town Board thought. The Town Board will continue to evaluate options to improve the current Town Hall, as well as other alternatives.

The state of the current Town Hall was raised at a recent open meeting for the public. Members of the Town Board expressed their satisfaction with the recent Town Hall meeting. Town Board Phil Leone characterized the event as “awesome” and was happy with the turnout. Board member Shari Miller shared positive feedback from a survey conducted the evening of the Town Hall meeting. Town Supervisor Priscilla Penfold stated plans for another Town Hall meeting will be finalized at a later date.

The next meeting of the Dunkirk Town Board is Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Dunkirk Town Hall and Court.

Pictured is the progress of the new Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen drive-through restaurant, located in Plaza 59 near the thruway entrance off Bennett Road in the Town of Dunkirk.