Milford GOP Demands Mayor Blake 'Fast-Track' Approval for Eli's Outdoor Patio

It’s the political issue that just won’t go away, Eli’s Tavern and its pursuit for a an outdoor patio year.

As you are aware, the Milford Board of Aldermen voted along party lines, Democrats are the majority party, not to allow Eli’s to operate the outdoor patio adjacent to its Daniel Street location.

This past weekend, Milford Republicans led by mayoral candidate Paula Smith convened at Eli’s and demanded Democratic Mayor Benjamin G. Blake “fast track” the approval for Eli’s, which spent $2.5 million to open the new restaurant in downtown Milford, the Milford Mirror reports.

Paula Smith said the city looks anti-business, and even called it harassment of Eli’s. Smith said Eli’s has created jobs and helped revitalize downtown.

Blake has said some of Eli’s neighbors oppose the outdoor patio idea and he’s urged the restaurant’s owners to work with concerned property owners.

Democratic Party Chairman Richard Smith shot back at Paula Smith and the GOP noting Republicans on the Planning and Zoning Board also rejected the patio, the Mirror reports.

Richard Smith also said when Eli’s left Hamden they still owed a $3,000 water bill and a year’s rent, the Mirror adds. Richard Smith also noted thousands of new businesses have relocated to Milford under Blake’s watch.

Read the full Milford Mirror story here.