The spot, which used to be Jim’s Diner, was leveled in 2015 and at one time was supposed to be an Aldi Supermarket. But last year, a court ruling vacated city approval for the store citing insufficient environmental studies.

"For the most part, we're just happy to hopefully see something coming down the pipeline." General Manager at Mayer Hardware and Paint Dennis McCarthy said

Mayer sits right across the street from the lot and McCarthy says the empty space does not serve any purpose. He says he sees some promise in the new proposal.

That sentiment was shared by Joe Gentile, who owns More Than a Haircut Barbershop, the shop sitting right next to the lot.

"I think it will be great for the community," said Gentile. "Definitely be great for my business."

From here, Coffey says there will be time for neighbors to discuss the proposal with the city's zoning board.

A formal hearing date has not been set.