Restricted Parking Around Enfield Pub Set To Begin Thursday

ENFIELD, CT — A major investment in modernizing an outdated restaurant/bar has proved to be successful for the Bedard family, owners of Pizza Palace and Jimmy's Pub on Route 5 since 2015. Too successful, however, according to some neighbors, who have complained to police and town officials about parking issues, noise and other nuisances associated with a nightlife business.

Beginning in early October, some residents of Francis Avenue began speaking out during public communication at town council meetings, alleging that bar patrons are urinating, vomiting, having sex in vehicles, leaving trash in their yards and blocking their driveways. They claimed they were told by pub owner Ken Bedard that "if they don't like it, they can move."

The residents asked the council to consider implementing a resident-only parking plan. Town manager Ellen Zoppo-Sassu said a traffic study was done by the police department, and she and assistant town manager Steve Bielenda met with Bedard to discuss options.

On Nov. 14, the council approved a resolution making on-street parking on Francis, Highland Park, Pequot Ave. and Nonotuck Street available only for residents between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The plan is for a 120-day trial period, subject to review at the end of March.

Bedard and his wife Laurie said a considerable amount of misinformation, including some downright falsehoods, has been spread about the situation, both publicly and via social media, even by some council members.

"First of all, regarding me supposedly telling them they can move - those words never crossed my lips," he said.

The couple said they received an unsigned letter, with no return address, containing "some facts which were correct, but which is mostly inaccurate," Ken Bedard said.

The letter alleges Bedard lied on a liquor permit application, stating the only entertainment at the venue would be karaoke.

"When we took over here in 2015, we were new at this and the previous owner told us just to check off karaoke," he said. "That was definitely a mistake. We weren't lying or scamming anyone."

Bedard said the extensive renovations, brought on by a sharp decline in the restaurant industry, involved taking down a wall between the restaurant and bar, doubling the size of the pub area, and changing the restaurant side to take-out and delivery only. A stage was built to accommodate regionally-known musical acts like Sage King and Murphy's Law, all with approval of the town.

"We all are very understanding of the fact that it’s inconvenient to live behind or near a bar - especially when there’s minimal parking available," said the Bedards' daughter, Marissa. "In the seven years my family has owned the business, issues with parking have never been brought to our attention. Despite what others may say, the bar has been busy on weekends prior to the renovations."

Marissa Bedard chastised councilor Nick Hopkins for urging residents to attend the Nov. 14 meeting and speak in favor of permit parking only. Her parents were equally upset that, despite having a number of supporters of their own in attendance, the council voted to move up the agenda item concerning the parking resolution, conducting its vote prior to public communications.

Ken Bedard said he believes neighbors should have approached him with their concerns, rather than running to the police department and town officials.

"We want to work together to find a solution, not go to war with each other," he said.