OLD ORCHARD BEACH — A new traffic plan has been devised for a proposed Dunkin’ Donuts at the corner of Ocean Park and Smithwheel roads in an attempt to alleviate safety concerns, but the police chief still has misgivings.

An updated traffic plan from the developer was discussed at a planning board workshop Thursday evening at town hall.

The owner of the seasonal Dunkin’ Donuts downtown, JFJ Holdings LLC, would like to build a yearround Dunkin’ Donuts at 14 Ocean Park Road on the site of the former Windsor Motel and Cabins.

The proposal has generated concern from a number of nearby residents, who believe the increase of traffic to an already busy intersection will create safety issues.

Ocean Park Road takes traffic onto the highway spur. Traffic traveling to town from the highway decreases from 60 to 30 miles an hour when leaving the spur, and making a lefthand turn onto Smithwheel during busy traffic times can be difficult.

The new proposal would put a raised island on Ocean Park Road that tapers to a left-turn-only lane onto Smithwheel. It would also widen Smithwheel Road at the intersection, allow for right and left turn lanes off the road onto Ocean Park Road, and add pedestrian crossings and signs at the intersection.

Under the proposal, cars would enter the Dunkin’ Donuts on Smithwheel Road, and could exit onto Smithwheel or make a right turn only out of the parking lot onto Ocean Park Road.

Randy Dunton, a consultant from Gorril Palmer Engineers hired by the town to review the proposal, said any traffic plan at the location would have to be a compromise. He thought the proposal addressed traffic concerns that had been previously raised.

“It’s not going to be perfect. It doesn’t meet ideal conditions, but very few situations do. I think it’s an acceptable plan,” he said.

Police Chief Dana Kelley said although the proposed plan might meet standard practice, it made him uncomfortable, and he didn’t see it as an adequate solution.

Kelley said he’s wanted a traffic light at the intersection of Smithwheel Road and Ocean Park Avenue for 15 years, but the area does not meet federal standards for a traffic light, and still won’t after the proposed development.

“Any new development is adding to an already existing problem,” he said.

The planning board will discuss the proposal further during another workshop at 6 p.m. Feb. 4.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext.325 or egotthelf@ journaltribunecom.