Popular Milford Restaurant Receives Approval For Outdoor Patio

MILFORD, CT — The Planning and Zoning Board voted earlier this month to approve Fratelli’s Restaurant at 248 New Haven Ave. to add a permanent outdoor patio at the site.

Fratelli’s Restaurant is owned by Elvis Candic. According to meeting minutes, the applicant's representative said the plan was for a permanent outdoor dining patio with changes to parking including handicapped parking.

City Planner David Sulkis reviewed the plan which converts a temporary dining area into a permanent dining area. He reviewed the Executive Order and newly enacted pertinent state law. He said the proposal includes new landscaping and removal of a ground sign.

Sulkis reviewed the new state statute in more depth, saying it allows conversion of existing outdoor parking spaces to outdoor dining. He added that the legislation only gave relief for use of parking spaces, leaving in place other regulations such as sidewalk access and building setbacks.

Chairman James Quish said he thought the restaurant owner was being proactive in improving the
site in preparation for the new permanent use.

PZB member Marc Zaharides said he approved of the project as it was presented with its improved aesthetic for the space featuring good landscaping. PZB member Nancy Austin agreed that the improvement was substantial and appealing.

Quish said the board had been eager to support the survival of local restaurants prior to the legislative action and felt this was consistent with that direction.