Aliyya Swaby Photo
Opening soon with a liquor license.
The zoning board prioritized relaxation Tuesday night, approving two downtown liquor license requests as well as a therapeutic massage center’s move to East Rock.
The Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved liquor licenses at new establishments College Street Music Hall and Meat & Co., with little discussion or hassle. Elm City Wellness also got the final go-ahead to move into a former law office at 770 Orange Street.
A not-for-profit theater, College Street Music Hall will need revenue from liquor sales in order to compete with nearby establishments such as the Shubert Theater, which has a liquor license, said attorney Steve Mendick. He represents the New Haven Center for the Performing Arts, which has been working for months to revitalize the former New Haven Palace at 238 College St., a concert venue that has been dark for almost 12 years.
The use of the liquor license would be “limited by size,” Mendick said. “We won’t have people coming in for drinks off the street.”
Owner John Ginetti asked for a license for his existing sandwich shop Meat & Co., a small space just adjacent to his restaurant and bar 116 Crown. Both establishments operate together, but state regulations require separate liquor permits, he said.
Board chair Pat King said both uses would “fit in well with downtown.” No neighbors spoke for or against either proposal.
Elm City Wellness, which offers “healing” services and activities, got unanimous approval Tuesday night for a requested special exception to move into a former law office at 770 Orange St. from 677 State St. At last month’s zoning board meeting, neighbors showed up to express their support for the move, which they said would only improve the community.