Planning and Zoning Approves Liquor License for Barb's Pizza

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a special permit for Barb’s Pizza to serve beer and wine at its meeting Wednesday night.

Barry Arpaia, owner of Barb’s Pizza, came before the commission with Anthony Scierka, his future business partner. Scierka told the commission that the previous business at 154 New Britain Ave. was permitted to sell alcohol and wanted Barb’s to have a liquor license as well.

“We would like to offer beer and wine to our customers,” Scierka said. He added that their application met the requirements of the regulations in the commercial zone.

“We expect no impact with the surrounding properties,” Scierka said.

Audience member John Bedlack, Jr. raised concerns with Barb’s Pizza having a liquor license with a nursery school located on the first floor of the same building.

Commission Member Peter Arico responded to Bedlack’s concerns by saying that there was another establishment downstairs that had a “full liquor license.” Arpaia added the restaurant will not have a full bar.

Arpaia said he plans on allowing patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Plan of Conservation and Development

In other business, the commission decided to meet the first Wednesday of each month to work on the plan of conservation and development for the town. 

The first meeting will be Aug. 3 where the commission will work on the title page. As this process goes on, the commission will ask the public for input, Chairman Anthony J. DiLorenzo said.

“I believe the plan of Conservation and Development is the most important task that this commission undertakes next to redoing the zoning regulations,” DiLorenzo said. “It sets the policy for the next ten years.”