The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed Starbucks, specifically the operational effectiveness and safety of its drive-thru design. Carlos Cruz, a construction manager for Starbucks, presented testimony detailing his experience and the specifics of the site plan. Cruz confirmed that the drive-thru would have a queuing capacity of 24 cars, the largest in New Jersey, intended to manage peak times effectively.

However, board members expressed concerns about the potential for traffic spillover onto Route 22, a major thoroughfare. One board member, recounting a visit to a similar Starbucks location in Madison, New Jersey, voiced alarm over observed traffic backups and a malfunctioning operational sign. The member highlighted that the queuing issues at Madison could be exacerbated at the Bridgewater location, where space constraints are more severe. He stressed, “someone’s going to get killed at this location,” emphasizing the need for a foolproof design to prevent accidents.

Despite these measures, board members remained skeptical. They demanded accountability for ensuring the systems function correctly, referencing the malfunction observed in Madison. Photographs were presented to illustrate the issues, and the board member pressed Cruz on the reliability of the proposed solutions.

The debate intensified as another board member called for an exhaustive redesign of the site plan. He suggested creating a dedicated queuing lane to prevent any potential overflow onto Route 22, stating, “this is getting chaotic.” The member emphasized that the current plan did not adequately address the critical safety risks, proposing that the design should be revisited to eliminate any risk of traffic spillover.

Participants also considered alternative measures, such as automatic lift gates or manual deployment of cones, to manage the drive-thru closure effectively. Despite Cruz’s assurances, the board remained unconvinced, pointing to the broader implications of traffic flow and safety on Route 22, one of the busiest roads in New Jersey.

The meeting included references to conversations with traffic experts who acknowledged an oversight regarding the automatic light system intended to manage drive-thru closures. The board insisted that a comprehensive solution was necessary to mitigate the potential safety hazards. They highlighted the importance of balancing operational efficiency with community safety, with one member stating, “we can engineer out are people not lining up.”

The discussion also touched on the impact of mobile ordering on drive-thru demand. Cruz noted that mobile orders now account for about 40% of sales, reducing drive-thru business to approximately 50%. He assured that Starbucks aimed for a service time of 45 seconds per customer at the window, although overall wait times could vary based on the queue length. Despite these operational details, the board’s primary focus remained on ensuring that the design could handle peak traffic without compromising safety.

As the meeting progressed, the board considered adjourning to allow the applicant time to redesign the drive-thru. They recommended re-noticing the application rather than simply carrying it over. The board requested that any responses to previous reviews be provided in writing and distributed at least two weeks in advance of the next meeting, scheduled for November 12, to ensure adequate preparation.