Thomas MacMillan Photo
Attorney John Acampora came up with a novel definition of “public convenience and welfare” in a pitch to New Haven’s zoners Tuesday night: the ability to get a sandwich without leaving your car.
That was part of Acampora’s testimony before the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) at its monthly meeting on Tuesday evening in the Hall of Records. Acampora (pictured) was there to represent Route 80 LLC, a company that wants to build a new drive-through Subway at 320 Foxon Blvd.
The company needs a special exception to open a restaurant with a drive-through window in a BA zone. And the BZA approved it, in a unanimous vote.
The property is currently a vacant lot. An architect for the company said the new subway would be only 30 by 80 feet.
Acampora said the Subway will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., allowing people to order and pick up Subway products without ever getting out of their cars.
This spot is HEAVILY used by commuters and is flanked by gas stations, drive thru coffee shops, fast food galore, Walmart, and Lowes. I'm surprised the zoning does not automatically allow it.
What is a "BA" zone anyways?