Jimmies Files Appeal Against West Haven, Brewery Developer

Written by Michael P. Walsh

WEST HAVEN, CT — The owners of a seafood restaurant on the West Haven shoreline have filed an appeal against the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Rock Street Brewery LLC, the developer of a taproom proposed by New England Brewing Co. at the city-owned site of the former Savin Rock Conference Center at 6 Rock St.

The appeal, filed recently by Jimmies Inc. at Superior Court in Milford, claims that despite developer Doug Gray’s modification of the original plan to scale back the brewery project, the new plan will encroach on an existing easement.

“It is very disappointing that after the groundwork, accommodations and public feedback, Jimmies decided to move forward with an appeal of the most recent zoning decision,” Mayor Dorinda Borer said. “It was particularly surprising as they had recently issued a public statement indicating their willingness to work with the city.”

Borer said upon receiving the appeal, she subsequently met with Jimmies of Savin Rock owners James and Paul Gagliardi to determine the prospect of a collaborative path forward for the project, which would include a taproom for Woodbridge craft brewery NEBCO in the 22,000-square-foot conference center building.

“Unfortunately, their appeal remains in effect, and the city will put its best foot forward in defending the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision that allowed the latest brewery plan to go forward,” Borer said. “We continue to be committed to bringing NEBCO to West Haven.”