GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Council members discussed buying a property near Spring Park and approved a Dunkin’ Donuts site plan on U.S. Highway 17.

The house at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Spring Street was built in 1900. Council member Van Royal said the property could be an asset for the city close to Spring Park. Crowds at Spring Park have swelled, he said.

“For Public Works, maintaining the park is seven-day-a-week job,” Royal said.

Council member Pam Lewis said she wasn’t opposed to buying the property, but she didn’t want the house to be torn down.

The house was one of the 14 items city officials reviewed to potentially ask for a state appropriation, at an estimated $300,000. It didn’t make council members’ five top priorities.

Council member Mitch Timberlake said he wanted to see a plan before funds were committed because costs could skyrocket. Council member Connie Butler recommended staff explore options with the property.

“There are a lot of possibilities,” Butler said. “I’m glad we’re entertaining it because it is important.”

In other business, a Dunkin’ Donuts site plan on Bayard Street and U.S. 17 passed with a 5-0 vote. According to city documents, the proposed 2,260 square foot building with a drive-thru would sit on .71 acres.

Planning and Zoning Director Michael Daniels said the restaurant, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., would generate 1,624 daily trips. The traffic study is being reviewed by the state Department of Transportation.