Chipotle, Starbucks Plans Back On Simsbury Agenda

SIMSBURY, CT — After nearly a couple of months off, the town's top land-use board will take up an application to transform a former car dealership into a shopping plaza and new Chipotle and Starbucks shops.

A public hearing was opened June 21 on a special exemption permit for Prospect Enterprises LLC, which is looking to build a 2,400-square-foot restaurant, a 2,325-square-foot restaurant and an 11,600-square-foot commercial building at 1263 Hopmeadow St.

That address was last the site of a car dealership, Wagner Ford.

The hearing was continued to July 17, the last time the Simsbury Zoning Commission met.

At that time, the applicants had requested a further extension to the regulatory approval timeline, taking the matter to the Wednesday, Sept. 6, Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting.

That meeting is slated for 7 p.m. at Simsbury Town Hall, 933 Hopmeadow St.

Simsbury Director of Planning and Community Development George McGregor said the applicant has requested more time to fine-tune plans, especially as they relate to a project timeline and ingress/egress of the site.

"We received a request from the applicant, yesterday, requesting we continue the hearing again to your Sept. 6 regular meeting," McGregor said at the last zoning board meeting.

There, the hearing will resume and, possibly be closed, paving the way for a possible vote by the zoning board.

While meeting agendas have not mentioned Chipotle or Starbucks, nor does the project's application cover letter, submitted plans show artist's renderings of the commercial building, as well as a modern Starbucks location and a new Chipotle location.

Starbucks is the well-known coffee chain known for fueling caffeine fixes with a wide array of coffee drinks, as well as several specialty beverages and eats for non-coffee drinkers.

Chipotle, meanwhile, is a fast-casual Mexican eatery that offers fresh ingrediants, but quick service.

In addition to the retail site and the two eateries, the development would also feature a drive-up ATM from an area bank, which has yet to be named, according to plans.

One resident did show up last month at the hearing, indicating a desire to hear out the project's latest developments.

"I'd really rather hear what the developer has to say and what might change," said resident Lori Boyko.

For submitted document plans related to 1263 Hopmeadow St., click on this link.

For the minutes of the July 17 Simsbury Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

From June 21: 'New Simsbury Project Could Include Major Coffee Chain, Mexican Eatery'