Despite concerns from borough officials, Bath Borough council June 3 approved a proposed Dunkin' Donuts at 107 E. Main St.

Council approved the plans by a vote of 5-1 with Councilwoman Carol Bear-Heckman opposed. Councilwoman Jennifer George abstained.

The Dunkin Donuts includes a seating capacity of 16 people with two employees.

The expected hours of operation are from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

George expressed concern about the fees paid to the escrow account by the property owner.

Borough Manager Thomas Petrucci said the amount paid was "depleted down." Another payment was expected in a couple of weeks but he said he did not know the exact amount.

Bear-Heckman pointed out the lack of trees being planted in the proposed development.

David M. Bray, project coordinator for JENA Engineering, said the trees are included "on the plans" with PennDOT.

In addition, the in flow of the traffic configuration was changed to meet PennDOT regulations, Bray said.

Bear-Heckman also expressed disappointment with the location of the development, suggesting that "flooding would get a lot worse." While she welcomes new businesses in the borough, she said she hopes for more trees planted at the location.

Because PennDOT has not issued a permit to the developer, Bear-Heckman suggested borough officials table the measure until the permit was available.

Councilman John Kearns pointed out that letters were received from Borough Engineer Ryan D. Christman and Dennis Huth, zoning officer, for the planning committee to review.

The letters and committee minutes reflect the developer's compliance with PennDOT's requested changes.

"We are approving the plan that was changed, there is no reason to hold back the process," said Kearns.

George, who owns the Daily Grind at 116 E. Main St., said she is concerned because eight businesses are located at the site of the proposed doughnut shop.

"I have a competing business that sells coffee and sandwiches," George said, adding the franchise or the corporation may not be happy with council's vote.

"I decided the best possible reason was to abstain to protect the borough from a possible lawsuit."