A Buffalo developer is planing to add more eatery options to the Glenmont Shopping Plaza, located at the corner of Route 9W and Feura Bush Road.
The Benderson Development Company is preparing to submit to the Town of Bethlehem plans for two pad stores in the parking lot of the plaza, both of which would have attached patio seating. One would also have a drive thru.
James Boglioli, attorney for Benderson, declined to say who would occupy the spaces, but indicated the market for restaurants has greatly improved as of late.
We’re seeing a lot of tenant interest for smaller, freestanding buildings, he said in a recent meeting with town planners.
The buildings would be 5,000 and 5,600 square feet. Members of the town’s Development Planning Committee mentioned they’d heard Starbucks and Chipotle were looking in town, but Boglioli emphasized the company has not signed any tenants.
He did say it’s not likely a fast food tenant would take the spot with a drive thru, but rather a sit down-oriented business with a drive thru option. A McDonald’s is located right next to the proposed buildings.
The area of the parking lot where the buildings would be located is currently underutilized, said Bogliolo, and the two buildings would effectively build out the plaza. He said such structures would offer consumers a great reason to spend time there.
`We think it will be a good balancing of the site plan,` he said.
Planners were largely in favor of the plans, offering a few minor suggestions.
`I think the concept of having some pad sites there is something the town could be supportive of,` said Director of Economic Development and Planning Michael Morelli.
Boglioli said his company plans to submit a site plan soon, and would hope to have the project complete in six to eight months from now.
The DPC asked the developer if a vacant space in the plaza might be the future home of a Fresh Market store. Boglioli said Benderson would love to see that chain in the location, which is roughly the same size of the market’s Latham store, but didn’t say if the two companies are discussing the possibility.“