Residents living near the largest Dunkin’ facility in the United States are sounding the alarm over overwhelming doughnut odors that have permeated their homes. Just a short distance from the bakery, Sean Wilson, a local resident, voiced his frustrations during a City Council meeting on September 25, 2023, urging officials to prioritize air quality assessments amid concerns about the facility’s expansion plans.
Wilson, who lives approximately a quarter-mile from the plant, described the relentless smell as “distracting” and “heavy.” He stated, “My house has smelled like doughnuts all the time for the last two months. You’re just overwhelmed by the smell of doughnuts.” His comments come as the City Council considers a proposal to allow the Dunkin’ facility to install storage tanks for thousands of pounds of shortening, which could further increase production.
The bakery, owned by Creek Brook CML, currently churns out an astonishing 1 million doughnuts per day and supplies about 300 stores. If approved, the installation of these tanks could boost production and expand distribution to nearly 800 stores. J.T. Couch, representing Creek Brook CML, reassured local officials, stating, “With the size of the facility, we do take extreme measures to limit our air effluents. Each of the fryers has a dedicated hood system that you would find in a normal kitchen.”
However, concerns persist among residents. Councilor Shaun Toohey acknowledged the complaints from the community and proposed delaying the vote on the tanks until January 2024 to facilitate a thorough air quality assessment. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive review before moving forward with any expansion plans that could exacerbate the situation.
The urgency of the matter is heightened by fears over air quality and the potential health implications of prolonged exposure to industrial odors. Residents are demanding immediate action to ensure that their environment remains safe and livable. As discussions continue, local authorities are under pressure to balance economic growth with public health.
As the situation unfolds, residents and local officials alike are watching closely. Will the City Council heed the community’s calls for caution, or will Dunkin’ proceed with its expansion plans? Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
