Just inside the Bridgeport line, across the street from a Fairfield restaurant owned by Democratic Town Chair Mario Testa, the Zoning Board of Appeals has approved an application for a package store that opponents argue violates state law. The applicant hired Bridgeport land use guru Chuck Willinger to make the presentation to the ZBA. One member, an attorney, voted against it, former State Senator Rob Russo who says the vote will be overturned in court.
More from CT Post scribe Brian Lockhart:
Green and at least one ZBA member who is also an attorney argue state regulations clearly do not permit DeFilippo’s store.
“The applicant seems like a good guy. Just the sort of businessman we want in Bridgeport,” said Rob Russo, who cast the lone “no” vote on the ZBA against DeFilippo’s proposal and is a Republican. “(But) I don’t see the point of granting somebody something that is just going to cost him tens of thousands of dollars (in legal fees) to find out that it’s no good.”
Russo was out-voted by three Democrats and another Republican.
Full story here.
I am totally confused. Why would Russo vote against this? What does a liquor store have to do with a restaurant? What in hell is the problem????????
Steve, the issue here is the ZBA decision violates state statute. That is why Russo voted against it. The challenge of the ZBA approval in court cites the state law which the court must uphold. Support from Fabrizi, McCarthy, Lyons, Peter Pan, et al. means nothing.
This is a throw-back to the 1980s. Hire Chuck Willinger. Claim that landscaping changes the basis of the argument. Get a few nitwit Bridgeport politicians to support it (sorry John and Michelle). Done.
Looks like everyone wants to be nice to the bartender. Everyone mentioned are frequent customers. (Do McCarthy and Lyons use their city-issued debit cards?)
Only question I have is the location. What is the address?
Tom, thanks; but I do not understand. What is the law that prohibits a package store?
Bridgeport zoning rules require 1500 ft between other liquor outlets, on- or off-premises included. Thus a variance is required to be granted by the ZBA. A hardship is required to be granted a variance. Willinger always speaks to the court in case of an appeal. I don’t think a Fairfield-based liquor outlet should have standing in this local matter. The House of Worship, if within the prescribed footage required under the Bridgeport Zoning Code is entitled to appeal.
A hardship cannot be of an economic nature in granting a variance.
Many of the zoning ordinances were written years ago with the support of their respective trade organizations.
The applicant and his family are hardworking people with over four decades of experience in the off-premise nature of a packaged goods business.
Sounds like Up Yours Bridgeport finds the fact the applicant is a “nice guy” is an appealing reason to grant an appeal.
I am guessing this is in Halstead and Swain’s district. No comments plus or minus from them?
I haven’t seen the plan but they say there will be landscaping involved and that would be an improvement to that decrepit asphalt there now. On the other hand, I see an increase in traffic and another ratchet down on the quality of life scale where we should be seeing more development more pedestrian friendly. How about a bike shop? I have to ride all the way over to Spoke and Wheel on East Main to get my bike fixed now! Where is the Economic Development Office that would spur more quality of life economic development such as a grocery store, butcher or fish market, with some kind of incentives instead of Lowest Common Denominator development. We already have a liquor store here.
The law is the law; Testa and McCarthy think they run this city and can do whatever they want, bullshit! And I’m a bit surprised at the Lyons getting involved in this, they usually stay away from these things, at least Fabrizi was honest, stating he doesn’t know the laws and is just supporting a friend. If DeFilippo would kick in a little to Finch’s campaign fund, he can get Bill to climb aboard also. C’mon Mike, you know how it’s done here, ante up, then watch things happen. On another note, I bet McCarthy sits around and sips cosmos.
The law allows a variance sans an appeal.
I guess the ZBA, sans Rob Russo, thinks Ganim is going to win if they are siding with Chuck already.
I guess Up Your Bridgeport went to a better law school than Rob Russo because he has already overruled Atty Russo.
Clearly Bob Walsh is a better bean counter than comprehensive reading expert.
I did not strike down the Russo legal reasoning through my explanation of the process. If an appeal was not placed within 15 days of the posted legal notice, the variance would stand.
Sam’s This!
Go eat some musical fruit and blow it out your ass!
I guess Chuck W finds landscaping an appealing attribute.
The property is located at the crossroads of Brooklawn, Wood and Suburban Avenues across from the old Three Corners restaurant, now Mario’s Madison Pizza. I believe the 1,500 foot restriction is state legislation which would supersede local zoning, but I could be wrong.
flub–You are partially right but sec. 14-7 of the Bridgeport Zoning regs addresses this issue regarding variances. It also cites the CG Statute.
This is ridiculous. Fairfield businesses and Trumbull business build on our borders, take our business etc. Here we have a Bridgeport local that apparently needed an army to get approved. Now it’s going to court? Only in Bridgeport. I just do not get the animosity for the supporters of the business and I do not know the family. Btw I finally went to the pizzeria. Very good. It was recommended by Mario’s sister from Beardsley school. Bridgeport has the best pizza places.
I had just read the complete article in the post. I was not aware of the issues or supporters. It just seems like a waste of energy fighting a Mom and Pop business unless you are Bob Walsh and down on everyone and anything that is positive for Bridgeport. It is nice the family has friends in high places. It is nice they all came out to support him. I hope he is able to open his business and the ZBA can focus on more important matters. The business in Fairfield? Who cares!
Stevie went to Mario’s pizza restaurant.
The pizza was good.
Mario’s friend wants to open a package store across the street.
Therefore the idea MUST be good for economic development. Thank you for your insightfulness, Mr. Auerbach.
I do not compare Mario’s pizza to the package store. Bob, you are just a miserable negative thorn in the side of every opportunity that comes around.
Bob Halstead, landscaping improvements would be aesthetically appealing to the current state; however suggesting the Spoke and Wheel. I have been going there for 25 years. The guy would go out of business at this location. A fish Market? Well, I think we have all bases covered with the current markets in the city.
Bob Walsh, again Mr. Miserable, I do not equate Mario Testa’s restaurant with this package store in any way, shape or form. I was just mentioning I had been to the pizza place cross the street. I also had no idea my councilman Michelle Lyons was supporting it, that is good enough for me. It’s not like she was voting to stop businesses from succeeding in Bridgeport, if you get my drift. So Bob, you still think Bass Pro is leaving because it will fail? You think nobody will venture into the cineplex? Think again.
Btw, are you part of MJF’s inner circle of advisers with Moore and Gomes? Be honest. Get busy, you are not doing a very good job. You are a buzz kill and literally suck the life out of the blogosphere. 🙂
m.youtube.com/watch?v=YTt1uuA2rnI
Grin Ripper, leave it to you to show respect for a very funny lady. Anne Meara was a hoot and Stiller and Meara just a lovely funny couple from an era long gone. May she rest in peace.