Planning board approves restaurant at 1769 Abbott Road; owner told to finish permits

The Lackawanna Planning Board voted to approve a site plan for a restaurant at 1769 Abbott Road on Oct. 29, while reminding the applicant that business registration and health and fire inspections remain required before opening.

Applicant Omar Elvari told the board the property — previously operated as a bar — will need mostly cosmetic upgrades and that he intends to remove a trailer and address overgrown vegetation. Elvari said he hopes to open quickly but acknowledged that business registration and departmental reviews are necessary steps.

Neighbors and board members asked about trash disposal and whether there would be tenants upstairs. Elvari said he plans to use dumpster service and expects two large dumpsters for waste management; he also said the applicant hopes to avoid having tenants upstairs in order to prevent potential conflicts over smells, parking and noise. On hours, the applicant said operations will include breakfast and lunch and may extend into evening hours; he discussed daytime and late-night service options during questioning.

Board members also discussed fire-suppression and code compliance; staff and the fire marshal will inspect the property as part of the business-registration process. The public hearing drew no speakers and the board approved the site plan. Staff advised the applicant to submit final drawings and complete required health and safety inspections before opening.