By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — A Police Department traffic expert has concerns about a plan to place an unnamed restaurant and drive-through at Post Road East and Church Street South.

Police Cpl. Al D’Amura’s comments add to the public safety concerns first raised by Fire Marshal Terrence Dunn Jr.

Many neighbors have written to the Zoning Board of Appeals, worried about the idea of the former gas station property at 1076 Post Road East being converted to a fast-casual restaurant with drive-through. They don’t want to see traffic spilling onto their narrow, residential road or the Post Road.

The site is one corner of the Post Plaza shopping center, which was to be anchored by an Amazon Fresh store. But that brick-and-mortar grocery project by the online retailing giant has sat idle over a year. Other Amazon Fresh “zombie stores” also are in limbo nationwide, despite what must have been costly buildouts and long-term leases.

An apparent blow to the restaurant plan came Dec. 6, when Dunn wrote to the board with concerns about emergency vehicle access in and out of the site, and potential traffic at the intersection of the Post Road.

“This office is not in favor of the proposed layout,” Dunn concluded.

A ZBA discussion was planned for Dec. 12, but the applicant, Architect Frederick Hoag, told zoning staff he wanted the hearing opened, but without any testimony.

The ZBA shortly after received a letter from the Police Department’s D’Amura.

“From a public safety standpoint, I have a few concerns for 1076 Post Road East …” D’Amura wrote Dec. 12.

“Without knowing what type of establishment, it makes me question the possible turnover the site will generate,” he said. “Traffic queuing from the new drive thru feature could backup onto Church Street South and possibly the intersection of Post Road East, which could cause accidents and line of sight problems for motorists.”

“No parking signs have been installed on Church Street South for vehicles and trucks that block a narrow road causing line of sight problems,” D’Amura continued. “Where will the food & beverage delivery trucks park for deliveries? Additionally, the lot seems small for larger emergency vehicles, especially a fire truck.”

The eatery application for 1072 Post Road East, also known as 1060 Post Road East, was filed in October. A discussion is expected at the ZBA’s Jan. 9 meeting.

Thane Grauel grew up in Westport and has been a journalist in Fairfield County and beyond for 35 years. Reach him at editor@westportjournal.com. Learn more about us here.