A vacant commercial building on Olive Street in New Haven will soon be converted into an Avis budget car and truck rental business.
The City Plan Commission on Feb. 20 approved a modified site plan review for the property, which is at 170 Olive St. The parcel had at one time been home to a gas station and automotive repair business.
The commission had given the project the green light previously. However, according to Stacey Davis, planner II with the city, the applicant had to come back to the commission with revised plans because of traffic issues raised during the permit process.
The applicant, property owner Arsalan Altaf, had to make changes to the traffic flow as required by the city’s Transportation, Traffic and Parking Department. The changes included curb-cut modifications, a new guardrail for pedestrian protection, and adjusted traffic signage.
According to Davis, the necessary approvals are in place for the project to proceed.
The vacant, one-story 7,436-square-foot building is on about a half-acre lot. The building will be renovated and will include a lobby area, an office, a car wash and a rental-car storage area. The plan is to have 11 parking spaces.
Attorney Carolyn Kone of New Haven, who represented the applicant before city land use boards, estimated it will take a couple of months for the building to be renovated so Avis can open.
“I think this business will be an enhancement to the neighborhood,” Kone said. “It will mean a higher assessment for the property, which will be a benefit.”
Kone said it will be helpful for area residents who don’t own a car, but who need one occasionally, to take trips.
“Many of the neighbors have said they are looking forward to the convenience of a car-rental business in their neighborhood,” Kone said.
Property owner Altaf noted the new business will also mean additional jobs.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com
