Drive-thru Starbucks proposed for vacant lot on Erie Boulevard in Schenectady
SCHENECTADY – A drive-thru-only Starbucks on vacant land at 1100 Erie Blvd. has been proposed to city officials.
Empire Engineering PLLC’s site plan on behalf of Fabio Urbano, owner of Electric Erie Development of 310 Currybush Connection, cites the “exponential” growth of contactless food-service options during the coronavirus pandemic.
The item is on the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting agenda for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Urbano proposes a 1,200-square-foot building with drive-thru lanes, parking, outdoor patio and landscaping on the .6 acre parcel in the downtown mixed-use zoning district.
The applicant seeks a variance – a form of relief from the strict application of land use and lot development standards within city zoning rules – from the ZBA.
The district allows for restaurant uses. However, drive-in only service facilities are not permitted.
Urbano did not return a message Tuesday. City Development Director Kristin Diotte could not be reached late Tuesday.
The proposed Starbucks would be north of the railroad bridge over Erie Boulevard, and is the last undeveloped parcel before the zoning district ends near the northern roundabout at the intersection of Erie Boulevard and Nott Street.
The plan calls for a single entrance from Green Street for proper turning and ample on-site space for vehicle queuing.
According to the site plan, the limited size of the parcel makes a reasonable return on investment impossible for warehouse, residential, institutional or government uses.
The need for commercial properties to include an option for drive-thru-only service has grown exponentially the last 12 months,