Gregorys Coffee Looks To Open Location In Cos Cob

GREENWICH, CT — Coffee lovers could have a new go-to place in Cos Cob, but any plans must first make their way through the Greenwich Planning & Zoning Commission.

On Tuesday night, the commission looked at a pre-application that would bring a 1,700 square foot Gregorys Coffee location to 85 E. Putnam Ave., the site of a People's United Bank drive-thru.

The pre-application process allows for a non-binding discussion with the commission about the pros and cons of a proposal before a substantial investment is made in developing plans, reports, and studies.

According to their website, Gregorys Coffee was founded by Gregory Zamfotis in 2006 in Manhattan, "with a strong focus on quality, innovative products, and world class service."

Along with coffee, Gregorys features pastries and a selection of gluten/vegan free options. There are over 30 locations across New York, New Jersey and Washington D.C.

"The plans are currently very preliminary," said attorney for the applicant, Thomas Heagney, on Tuesday.

Heagney said the proposed site plan would include eight standard spaces in the parking lot and one handicap space along with 14 spots for queuing to the drive-up window and a bypass lane.

Site circulation would continue as it is currently configured with a one-way entrance on the western side of the property, and a one-way exit on the eastern side.

Commision Chair Margarita Alban said she was concerned about the size of the proposed restaurant and number of parking spaces if the site-use is changed from a bank to a restaurant.

"That's a concern because your coffee shop could move out, a full restaurant could come in, and if they tried to operate it, they'd have a problem unless they were going to tear it down and add parking," Alban said. "If you can demonstrate that you meet the restaurant parking, that would be one way. If not, you might consider retail food [use]."

Heagney said the focus of the development plan is on the drive-up operation, and there has not yet been a determination on how many seats would be inside the restaurant. He noted the eight spaces would allow for 20 seats based on current regulations.

Alban said another concern is pedestrian access to the building. She pointed out that people used to walk to the nearby Starbucks before it closed several months ago.

"This is a very walkable neighborhood. People are going to want to walk here," she said. "I see the driveways, but I don't see a walkway. It is going to have to be pedestrian accessible in this neighborhood."

Alban also expressed concerns about "traffic maneuvering" onto East Putnam Avenue from the site.

"This is an incredibly difficult location from which to make a left turn," Alban said. "I think we do have to have a no left turn here."

Commissioner Dennis Yeskey asked Heagney if a no left turn regulation would "materially impact the decision to go ahead" with the plans.

Heagney said it would be something he'd have to discuss with the applicant, but the idea of a no left turn can be explored.