New 'Chipotle' Planned In West Hartford Plaza

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Afficianados of the popular Mexican food chain "Chipotle" may soon have a new place to gorge themselves on fresh-made tacos and burritos in West Hartford.

Earlier this month, the West Hartford Town Council and West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission each kickstarted Prospect Plaza Improvements (PPI) LLC's plans to build a new Chipotle restaurant at 245 Prospect Ave.

On July 10, the PZC voted 5-0 to put a special use permit application for the restaurant on its Sept. 6 agenda, with a public hearing slated for that day. The PZC meeting is at 7:15 p.m. at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 S. Main St.

Then, on July 11, the council voted 8-0, without discussion, to officially refer the application to the zoning board, a necessary step because the proposed Chipotle would be located in the town's "Special Design District," a move requiring council approval.

PPI representative Kari L. Olsen, an attorney with Murtha Cullina out of Hartfford, said the Chipotle project fits in with the Town of West Hartford's plan of conservation and development.

Olsen wrote to the town the Chipotle would enhance the retail/restaurant offerings at Prospect Plaza, which is located in the town's special design district.

"The redevelopment of this area of the existing parking lot also will improve the overall aesthetics of the plaza and the neighborhood," wrote Olsen to the town.

"Rather than the existing sea of parking spaces, the new building has been designed to be visually attractive, with a focus on enhancing the streetscape along both the Prospect Avenue and Kane Street perspectives."

For the minutes of the July 10 West Hartford Plan & Zoning Commission meeting, click on this link.

For the minutes of the July 11 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.

For the Chipotle restaurant project documents, click on this link.