City OK's Plans for Chipotle Grill

By WY Daily Staff Thursday, March 19, 2009

Williamsburg’s Planning Commission approved site plans Wednesday for a new Chipotle Mexican Grill on Richmond Road after some debate over who would maintain the entrance.

The make-your-own organic burrito restaurant will be built at the site of Rodeway Inn on the corner of Bypass Road and Richmond Road. Currently, there are two entrances to the motel, but the site plans call for blocking the Bypass entrance. This leaves one way in and out of the restaurant lot, on the neighboring property.

Debate started over who would maintain the single entrance to both properties - Chipotle, once built, or Angelo Mageras, who owns the entrance property.

Mageras owns the Belgian Waffle restaurant adjacent to the inn. He’s worried he will have to pay for any repairs to the entrance because it’s on his lot.

Richard Will, who represents Chipotle on behalf of AES Developments, said he wouldn’t let a $2.5 million project be canceled because of relatively inexpensive repairs.

Will said he’s been in touch with Mageras and his lawyer about the entrance. Mageras said he’s not been able to reach Will or AES.

“I want to see Chipotle happen, but they won’t talk to me,” said Mageras.

Mageras and his lawyer were at the meeting, but they left before the site plan presentation and discussion.

“We’ve made a conscious effort to reach the owner,” said Will. “He was here and he left.”

The commission discussed how approving the project would leave the legalities of property maintenance up to the tenants.

“I feel uncomfortable approving something that’ll go straight to court,” said commission member William Kafes, the only member to vote against the site plan.

Board member Sean Driscoll said he didn’t think a large corporate tenant would leave the entrance unkempt.

Deputy City Attorney Christina Shelton reminded the board legal issues aren’t up to them and they are only tasked with approving or denying the site plans.

Approval of the site plans means Chipotle can start construction once permits are approved. Will expects the restaurant to open at the end of this year.

Will said he will continue to work out the entrance issue with Mageras.