Olympia Diner In Newington To Be Sold, New Plans Revealed
NEWINGTON, CT — A developer is under contract to purchase the historic Olympia Diner at 3413 Berlin Turnpike and plans to construct a "new quick serve restaurant with a drive-through" window, according to documents filed with the town's Planning and Zoning Commission. The application is pending before the town and requires both a special permit and a site plan modification approval. No vote has yet been taken on the proposal. The Olympia Diner, an iconic 70-year-old Newington eatery where scenes from Hollywood films and other media have been filmed, was listed for sale in August. The property consists of one acre of commercial land and is "situated within the most sought after corridor of the turnpike," according to the listing at the time.Arista Development, of Norwood, Massachusetts, is the contract purchaser of the property, according to documents filed with the town. The Connecticut Scoop first reported news of the sale."As the Commission likely knows, the owners of the diner have sought to sell or lease the business or the Property for several years, which is indicative of certain challenges inherent in the Property and the applicable regulations," according to documents filed with the town. Some of the challenges include: the site is "oddly-shaped," and due to currently required setbacks, only a half-acre of the property can be developed, according to documents. "The diner currently has 81 parking spaces available, including 16 parking spaces that are located in the Berlin Turnpike (right of way), and 18 parking spaces that were built on the abutting car wash property, meaning that 42% of the diner parking is not actually on the Property. In addition, the diner would lose an additional 13 parking spaces if the 35 ft buffer requirement was applied to the Property," the documents state. "Arista proposes to amend the Newington Zoning Regulations in a manner that would reduce the Property’s non-conformities, including eliminating all parking with the ROW, while also facilitating a redevelopment of the Property in an attractive manner. Arista looks forward to discussing with the Commission several approaches that can be utilized to achieve both of those goals," the documents state.In a zoning staff report concerning the proposal, officials write: "Staff has included some primer questions below for consideration of a proposed text amendment to modify the prohibition of the pavement, accessory structures, and above ground utilities:1. What is the purpose of the prohibition of accessory structures, above-ground utilities, and pavement in the 35’ front yard along the Berlin Turnpike?2. How would an amendment to Section 6.10.4.B affect other properties along the Berlin Turnpike?3. Would drive-thru appurtenances (i.e. menu boards, ordering stations) be allowable within the 35’ front yard setback?"Crafted by the famed Jerry O'Mahony Diner Company of New Jersey, the Olympia originally opened in Massachusetts but was brought to Newington in 1954.It is known as the "longest stainless steel diner in the country" and has been owned by three families throughout its history: the Kritikos, Goulias and Gavrilis families, the latter of which have owned the "OD" since 1974, according to the diner's website.In addition to commercials and public service announcements, scenes from movies such as "Jacknife" (1989) starring Robert DeNiro, Promises in the Dark (1979) starring Marsha Mason and Once More With Feeling (2009) with Chazz Palminteri were filmed at the diner.Patch editor RJ Scofield contributed to this story. The article Olympia Diner In Newington To Be Sold, New Plans Revealed appeared first on Newington, CT Patch.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings