Proposed East Granby Drive-Thru Could Require New Traffic Light

EAST GRANBY, CT — A proposal for a single retail building with a drive-thru at 1 Gateway Blvd. remains under review after the East Granby Planning and Zoning Commission voted to continue the public hearing.

Commission members repeatedly emphasized that the application before them covers one 11,091-square-foot building only, not the larger multi-building concept shown in long-range plans for the site. The proposal includes a Type A drive-thru of about 2,350 square feet, with the rest of the building intended for retail uses.

Project representatives told the commission that no tenants have been signed and that construction would depend on securing tenants.

Plans show two access points: a full-access driveway on Gateway Boulevard and a right-in/right-out driveway from Route 20. The drive-thru lane is designed to hold roughly 15 to 16 vehicles and includes an option for vehicles to exit the line.

During the discussion, commissioners raised concerns about traffic safety near the unsignalized Route 20 and Gateway Boulevard intersection, internal traffic circulation, lighting spillover, drainage revisions still being worked out with the town engineer, and whether the drive-thru escape lane should be extended.

The project’s traffic engineer said a traffic signal at Route 20 and Gateway Boulevard is anticipated in the future but would require state approval and could take years to install, with around 2028 cited as an earliest possible timeframe.

During public comment, one resident said they supported the project but urged the town to consider adding a right-turn lane into the site to reduce crash risks. Two other residents opposed adding another drive-thru in town, citing concerns about traffic, litter, and pedestrian safety.

The commission continued the public hearing to allow additional work on the outstanding issues. The application is scheduled to return to the East Granby Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.