Milford Aldermen Decide Eli's Request for an Outdoor Patio Area

Voting across political party lines, Democrats defeated Eli’s Tavern’s proposal to add an outdoor patio by its Daniel Street business.

The Board of Aldermen voted 9-6 against a lease agreement with owner Richard Ciardiello, the Milford Mirror reports.

During the public comment portion of the meeting nine people spoke in support of the proposed lease agreement, while six spoke against it.

Those in support noted Cafe Atlantique has an outdoor seating area, while Alberta Jagoe noted the area is an unofficial Sept. 11 memorial area as two benches have been earmarked for two residents who died during the terrorist attacks, the Mirror reports.

During the contentious meeting, Democrats and Republicans accused each other of playing politics and Mayor Benjamin G. Blake accused Republicans of trying to score cheap political points.

Ciardiello has said that the former owner of the property had secured city approval for the patio use but officials now won’t allow him the same courtesy.

Former State House Speaker James Amann, who is a paid consultant for Ciardiello, have been at odds with Blake, a Democrat, who they say is

Ciardiello has said he paid $2.4 million for the restaurant building and had been assured by city officials previously that he could create an outdoor patio and not having the space has hurt his business, the New Register has reported.

Last month a war of words developed between Ciardello’s paid consultant, former State House Speaker James Amann and Mayor Ben Blake over the patio issue. Read that full story here.