New Details On Waterfront Hotel Proposal Near Popular Brewery

BRANFORD, CT – The owner of the Stony Creek Brewery aired his plans to build a hotel adjacent to the popular destination location at a recent public hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The waterfront hotel would be built on the site of the former Paul’s Wire Rope & Sling company at 4-6 Indian Neck Avenue, which is across from the brewery.

The Crowley family, who live in Branford, purchased the property for $600,000 in September 2016.

Ed Crowley told the PZC that he is planning a 33-room boutique hotel, with waterfront rooms. He said it will be a nice complement to the ongoing Atlantic Wharf construction project.

Crowley told zoners that parking for spots for those who stay at the hotel will be in spots underneath the structure.

He said he wants guests “to experience the local culture.” Crowley said the hotel will have food service available for breakfast and lunch only, and that he will be applying for a liquor license.

Crowley, and other members of his development team, said that if the hotel plans were eventually approved by the town that they would contribute $50,000 towards the construction of a boardwalk along the southern portion of its property at 4-6 Indian Neck Ave. and adjacent properties.

In previous meetings concerning the hotel proposal, Crowley has talked often about the number of out of state visitors who frequent the brewery – and – the fact that it located close to the Shore Line East train station.

Having a hotel where guests can stay overnight and spend more time in Branford would bring in tourism dollars for Branford, Crowley and other officials have stated.

During the public hearing, Bill Horne, who represented the Branford Land Trust, said while the Land Trust had a few concerns about liability and maintenance since some of the walkway would be on Land Trust property, the Land Trust is not opposed to the overall project.

The public hearing concluded with the commission directing staff to prepare draft resolutions for approval for consideration at an upcoming meeting.

Image via Jack Kramer