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The funding is available through the state's Restore NY Communities Initiative. Auburn has received other Restore NY grants, including $8.5 million for the former Bombardier plant and $1 million this year to renovate the former bank at 120 Genesee St.Ìý

A team of local developers, including Auburn Bagel Co. owner Tony Daddabbo and Hollywood agent Matt DelPiano, has pitched a $4.8 million project to renovate the diner and reopen it at the same location on Genesee Street.

However, the city — which acquired the property through a tax foreclosure in 2023 — wanted an operator that would move the diner to a different site. This was due to concerns about the diner, which is located over the Owasco River, if a major flooding event occurred.Ìý

At the Dec. 5 City Council meeting, Auburn City Manager Jeff Dygert reiterated the city's position that the diner's current structure and placement on piers in the river "is not safe, is not appropriate and needs to be modified." 

Seth Jensen, the city's director of municipal utilities, also sent an email to the development team with "five points for consideration," according to Andy Ramsgard, an architect working with the developers.Ìý

Among Jensen's points was that no piers should be left within the floodway flow path of the river. Ramsgard said they will restructure the diner so there won't be obstructions in the river.Ìý

Jensen also wanted to ensure the project would be coordinated with existing utilities, namely a sewer line near the diner. Ramsgard said they will be clear of that line.Ìý

When Ramsgard presented the plan at the Dec. 5 meeting, he mentioned reusing two piers for the renovated diner. Jensen asked them to use hydraulic modeling to ensure there isn't a flood impact.Ìý

While they will use hydraulic modeling, Ramsgard said they no longer plan to reuse those piers due to structural concerns.Ìý

Horizontal beams that will be installed for the project will be aligned with the elevation of the Genesee Street bridge, according to Ramsgard, and the development team will be responsible for federal and state permits. Ramsgard explained they will need permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state Department of Environmental Conservation.Ìý

"We respect the process," Ramsgard said.Ìý

Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino asked Jensen, who was seated in the chamber, if he was satisfied with the developers' responses. He nodded.Ìý

One change coming to the renovated Hunter Dinerant is an accessible entrance. The diner, which opened in 1951, had a few steps leading to the entrance.Ìý

Ramsgard, in response to a question from Auburn City Councilor Terry Cuddy, said the new entrance will be at street level and comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements that non-ambulatory people use the same entrance as the public.Ìý

With their questions answered, the City Council approved the resolution to apply for the $1 million grant. The state's decision is expected next year.Ìý