Coffee shop at Mystic train station seeks seating boost
Mystic — Mystic Depot Roasters, a coffee shop/cafe located in the Mystic train station, is seeking a special use permit from the Stonington Planning and Zoning Commission to add 53 additional seats, most of which would be outdoors.
The application comes at the same time that the Town of Stonington is applying for a $300,000 state grant to develop a master plan for the Mystic train station, with the possibility of creating additional parking behind the Mystic Fire Department.
First Selectman Rob Simmons has said that parking is in short supply for passengers, and has become even more limited with the opening of the coffee shop and its possible additional seating. The extra parking also would be necessary if Shoreline East eventually agrees to extend service to Mystic and Westerly.
The commission has slated a July 18 public hearing on the application, which seeks to add nine indoor seats to the existing eight and 47 outdoor seats.
Most of the application centers on parking requirements. It states that the station currently has 34 spots, five of which are reserved for Amtrak passengers. Another 10 spots, per a 2008 agreement, are assigned to the adjacent restaurant space at 4 Roosevelt Ave. That reduces the number to 19, three of which are for employees, leaving 16.
With zoning regulations calling for one space for every four seats, the coffee shop is requesting up to 64 seats.
Thirty-three seats will be used indoors and outside with the remaining 31 to be placed outside in the future if there is demand for additional seating.
The application states there will be no change in the coffee shop’s hours, which are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends.
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