East Lyme — The Zoning Commission on Wednesday deferred a decision on requested regulations that would allow a taproom brewery in downtown Niantic.

The commission will continue to discuss the application at its July meeting.

Todd Sakowski, a Ledyard resident, has applied for revisions to the town's zoning regulations to allow the operation of a taproom brewery in one of the town's commercial zones, called a CB commercial district.

If the regulations are approved, Sakowski would then apply for a special permit for the establishment, which would be called Niantic Public House and Brewery, as well as state and federal licensing.

At the public hearing on Wednesday, First Selectman Mark Nickerson said the taproom would enhance the thriving downtown area. He said the area's vibrancy is a result of the commission's work over the years.

"This is the type of ancillary business we expected to attract when we set out to make Niantic's Main Street more friendly for businesses and have a restaurant row," he said.

At the hearing, the commission members discussed the wording of the proposed regulations.

Chairman Matthew Walker said it was a unique and exciting application that is not just a bar, but also said the commission has to be clear in its regulations.

The intention of the commission and the town's Plan of Conservation and Development is not to have a host of bars downtown, he said.

At its regular meeting, the commission decided to continue the matter to its next meeting to allow time for research on the issue of potential odors associated with breweries and to review how a taproom should be defined.

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich