Politics & Government
Stonebridge's Outdoor Music Bid Back Before Milford Board
The Planning and Zoning Board has weighed in on a special permit to allow the downtown establishment to host live outdoor shows.
MILFORD, CT — Live outdoor music is now back at Stonebridge's outdoor patio. This comes following approval of the restaurant's bid for a special permit at a recent Planning and Zoning Board meeting.
The measure passed in a 6-to-1 vote.
Stonebridge, a Daniel Street establishment, hasn't had live outdoor music in about six months. This was due to a cease-and-desist order the restaurant and bar received, which drew on a rarely invoked, 30-year-old city policy.
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However, the Planning and Zoning Board reversed that policy last month following a public hearing that mostly involved supporters of live outdoor music downtown.
Related: Stonebridge Spurs Rule Change For Live Music In Downtown Milford
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The new rule proposed by Stonebridge allows for music during certain days and times.
Attorney Thomas Lynch, who represented Stonebridge, said the restaurant's application "addresses the concern that was articulated to me," which was that the music "was going on too late."
The hours put forth in the new policy are Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 9:30 p.m., Saturdays 1 to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays 1 to 8 p.m. Acoustic music only is allowed during happy hour and there are also provisions for music on holidays and for occasional fundraisers.
"We've made an effort to provide a reasonable scheme to provide musical entertainment downtown," Lynch said.
Daniel Fernandez, owner of nearby Bistro Basque & El Barrio on Broad Street, called for regulations on the volume and has said that Stonebridge's outdoor shows have hurt his business.
The board discussed the possibility of adding regulations for volume, but Lynch called this "a slippery slope," noting that it would be difficult to enforce.
Ultimately, the board added a provision that Stonebridge "pursue some structural sound mitigation barriers," which the owner agreed to.
Outdoor music appears to be in full swing for the summer season at Stonebridge. Upcoming shows include vintage funk band Deep Banana Black Belt on June 22 and Havana Night on June 26.
Read more: Major New Retailer Opens In Vacant Rite Aid Space In Milford
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