Enfield: Chicken And A Movie To Benefit Kids

ENFIELD, CT — The local zoning board has given a popular chicken chain the go-ahead to do three benefit movie night events this summer to ensure local children are supplied for the school year.

Thursday, the Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted 7-0 to approve a special event permit for the Enfield Chik-fil-A fast food restaurant to host three outdoor movie nights over the summer on the grounds of the eatery.

Colby Webb, the franchise owner of the Enfield Chik-fil-A, went before the PZC to discuss the proposal, saying its part of the chain's desire to work on community causes.

"This summer, we are doing something a little bit more unique," Webb said before the commission Thursday.

Chik-fil-A and the Enfield-based nonprofit Educational Resources for Children, Inc. — or ERfC — are collaborating on a project to get potentially costly school supplies to children who need them.

According to its website, ERfC is a "private, community-based, nonprofit agency that provides academic, enrichment, recreational and cultural arts activities for students during out-of-schooltime hours."

On July 8, July 28 and Aug. 8, Chik-fil-A will erect a large, inflatable movie screen outside in the parking lot at 25 Hazard Ave., which is also home to Paramount Commons at Enfield.

The 24-foot-by-16 foot screens will show family friendly movies starting at about 8 p.m., Webb said.

While admission to the movie nights is free, Webb said they want visitors to donate school supplies and backpacks to be collected by ERfC and distributed prior to the new school year.

"It's kind of like a fill-the-bus, so to speak, but without the bus," Webb said.

Meanwhile, the drive-through lanes at Chik-fil-A will be closed to provide space for the inflatable movie screen, projection equipment and outdoor seating for about 50-75 people, according to Chik-fil-A.

For the July 8 and Aug. 9 showings, food will be available for purchase inside, but on July 28, the restaurant will close so staff members will be able to see the movie that night.

The three movies slated to run are "Jurassic World," "Encanto" and the classic "Back to the Future."

For the most part, PZC members had no problem with the proposal, though some did ask about possible safety issues associated with using a plaza parking lot as an outdoor movie area.

"My concern is somebody will drive into the parking lot and not realize you're playing a movie there," said PZC member Kenneth Hilinski.

Webb assured the commission there would be signage, staff members and other means to make it clear to anyone driving nearby the lot and drive-through are closed to traffic and movies will be playing.

Satisfied, Hilinski and his colleagues easily voted "yes" on the permit, paving the way for the benefit.

"It's well thought out and I think its great that you're doing that," PZC commissioner Virginia Hisley said at the start of Webb's presentation.

To watch the full June 9 Enfield Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, visit this link.

To see distributed materials regarding the application, visit this link.

For more information on Educational Resources for Children, Inc., visit this link.