Out of respect for the hardworking police officers of New Britain, the City should reconsider and reject Dunkin' Donuts' lease bids for retail space adjacent to the new police station. There are other options, and factors should be considered other than money:
- Because of cultural stereotypes, the idea of literally having a franchised donut store attached to the police station is insulting. Beyond insulting our police force, it will serve as a message to those inside and outside of the city that we have no problem with being uncouth towards those who protect us.
- The police of our city have been working diligently and commendably to improve our community; they deserve a dignified place to go to before and after shifts where they can be treated with respect and the tender kindness our city can offer. It should be a comfortable place where they can sit-down off-duty with other members of the community and share in the improved quality of life they are helping to forward.
- There are already two Dunkin' Donuts locations within a one-mile radius of the site of the new police station. By allowing an independent coffeehouse or other competitor to lease the space within the police station the City would be encouraging a diverse consumer market.
- As part of the Downtown District, any shops attached to the police station should enhance the atmosphere of the community. Downtown is currently populated by many independent small businesses, such as Miss Washington Diner, Liberty Pizza, TOOLS Bar & Grill, Leaves & Pages and others. A large, corporate chain establishment, such as Dunkin' Donuts, would conflict with the already established vision of historic preservation set-forth for Main Street and surrounding areas.
This petition does not stand to demonize donuts. The purpose of this petition is to maintain a level of articulated respect for law-enforcement and continue the appropriate expression of our downtown's cultural integrity.
