Restaurant pulls request for music on deck

Stonington - A public hearing on three controversial zoning applications by the Dog Watch Cafe at Dodson's Boatyard in the borough began Tuesday night with restaurant attorney Frank Eppinger announcing that it had withdrawn the request to allow music on its back deck during the summer.

The hearing proceeded on proposals by restaurant owners David Eck and Clay Burkhalter to amend the zoning regulations so they can double the number of seats from 75 to 150 during the summer season. This would allow people waiting outside for a table to order appetizers and other light food while having a drink. Currently, zoning regulations do not allow the restaurant to serve food on the outdoor deck, which can accommodate 50 people having drinks. The restaurant has 75 inside sets.

"People are already there waiting for tables so we would not be inviting in new people," Eppinger told the commission.

The Dog Watch is also seeking an amendment that would allow it to open a welcome center in the marina store that would sell take-out items such as coffee, ice cream, breakfast sandwiches, marine supplies and Dog Watch logo items. It would be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The changes would be in effect from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The borough Planning and Zoning Commission closed the hearing Tuesday night. The proposal would amend the zoning regulations so such activities would be allowed in the planned waterfront zone where the restaurant is located. The commission is expected to vote on the proposal next month. About 75 people filled the Borough Hall meeting room Tuesday night for the start of the hearing.

Several spoke in favor of the change while opponents said it would increase congestion and noise and create parking problems.

Borough resident Susan Pappas said approving the application could tip the balance of life in the borough because it would draw more people from across the region.

The changes would apply to all property in the Planned Waterfront District. There is only one other restaurant there now, Skipper's Dock, and its seating exceeds the current limit because it existed before the regulations were adopted.

If the commission approves the amendments, Eck would have to receive approval from the commission for a special permit and site plan, which would require another hearing.