Norwich — A proposed zone change that would make way for a new retail plaza on the property that houses Seafood Etc. takeout restaurant and seafood market cleared its first hurdle Wednesday with unanimous approval by the Commission on the City Plan.

The commission voted 3-0 at a special meeting Wednesday morning to recommend that the City Council approve the zone change that would zone the entire one-acre parcel at 646 Boswell Ave. for commercial development.

The lot is now divided, with the front portion that houses the seafood market designated a commercial zone and the rear portion designated a multifamily residential zone.

The City Council, which serves as the zoning board, will hold a public hearing at its 7:30 p.m. meeting April 4 and could vote later that night on the application, submitted by Trumbull-based Garrett Acquisitions LLC, which is proposing the retail project.

Director of Planning and Development Peter Davis said the zone change must be considered separate from any specific development plan. He said expanding the commercial zone “makes quite a bit of sense.”

The commission approved a similar zoning map adjustment a month ago for property about a mile away on Norwich Avenue-Route 12.

Davis said both split property zoning conditions were overlooked and missed over the years when city officials rezoned the city, including an extensive zoning map change last fall.

The owners of Seafood Etc. said this week they plan to close the Norwich facility and consolidate operations at the family's Pawcatuck store. Seafood Etc. President Sharon Clachrie said she can't announce an exact closure date until the zoning and project permit process is complete.

Seafood Etc. has been at the Boswell Avenue location for 30 years, and remains a popular seafood market and take-out spot.

Norwich attorney Mark Block, who represents both Seafood Etc. and Garrett Acquisitions in the zone change process, said the Trumbull company has a lease agreement with a retail firm for the property, but cannot go forward without the zone change.

Block said the building would be torn down, and a new building would be built toward the rear of the property, with most parking in the front and some parking at the rear.

If the zone change is approved by the City Council, Block said Garrett Acquisitions would file for planning permits for the new project this spring.

c.bessette@theday.com