The new establishment, managed by Valerio, plans renovations to the existing structure, which includes introducing a family-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating areas, a cigar lounge, and private event spaces. With a seating capacity of 136 in the main dining area and additional capacity in the basement, the restaurant anticipates accommodating up to 343 guests for private events. Valerio emphasized that the establishment would blend into the community, offering valet parking and adhering to specified hours of operation.

Parking emerged as a issue during the meeting, given the proposed increase in seating capacity from the previous establishment. The current site has 85 spaces, and the development plans to increase this to 124, still falling short of the 202 spaces required by zoning regulations. The proposal includes stack parking and valet services to manage the shortfall. An engineer highlighted the benefits of reconfiguring driveways and parking lot grades to improve safety and usability.

The council and residents voiced concerns about the visual and auditory impact of the development. A resident named Alex questioned the height of the proposed lighting fixtures. The lighting plan, which includes 20-foot pole-mounted LED lights, aims to minimize light spillage into neighboring properties. The architects and engineers assured that the brightness and color temperature of the lights would be adjustable to mitigate any adverse effects.

Noise and privacy concerns were also addressed, particularly regarding the outdoor seating and cigar lounge. Residents expressed apprehension over potential disturbances from events and the proximity of the restaurant to residential properties. The architects acknowledged these concerns and proposed landscaping and screening to maintain privacy and reduce noise. The council highlighted the importance of balancing the restaurant’s operations with the community’s residential character.

The meeting also delved into design and safety features, including the installation of an elevator, fire-rated stairwells, and a comprehensive stormwater management system. The proposed building height, which requires a variance, was discussed in relation to safety codes for elevator shafts.

Concerns about the sewer lines were raised by the Department of Public Works, prompting a commitment to inspect and address any issues. The council also discussed the need for further public input and scheduled a special meeting for December 16 to continue the application process. The applicant agreed to waive applicable time limitations for this adjournment, allowing for examination and community engagement.