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Politics & Government

Proposed Restaurant, Gym Get Preliminary Approvals

Special permits approved for Inwood Road, Hillview Plaza businesses.

 

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved special-permit applications for two new businesses Tuesday night.

Don Hammerberg Associates received a permit to establish a 62-seat restaurant in Hillview Plaza, while Katherine Zervakis was given the go-ahead to build a Cross Fit Halo gym in the industrial park on Inwood Road.

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Zervakis and Hammerberg both gave in-depth presentations to the commission about their planned establishments. Hammerberg displayed multiple diagrams that illustrated the intended design for his restaurant. Zervakis provided a detailed explanation of the unique Cross Fit training system and how it pertains to the architectural blueprint she proposed for her own facility.

Chairman Barry Goldberg questioned Hammerberg about the provisions his restaurant will offer for the handicapped. He also asked about fire-code compliance and the availability of adequate parking in the frequently congested Hillview Plaza lot.

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The chair and other commission members had fewer questions for Zervakis. The initial explanation she supplied about her planned enterprise seemed to satisfy any concerns among them, and most of the questions that they did submit to her were general inquiries about aspects of the Cross Fit exercise program.

After Hammerberg and Zervakis convinced commission members they would uphold local land-use and building ordinances, the group granted both applicants their sought-after special permits. Members supported the undertakings of both entrepreneurs unanimously.

Goldberg reminded Hammerberg and Zervakis to complete the town‘s official application for a special permit now that their respective plans were endorsed by the commission. He indicated that failure to do so sometimes “trips up” would-be business owners who have already had their special permits approved, and he directed the pair to contact the town’s planning and zoning liaison, Kim Ricci, to obtain the necessary paperwork.

Goldberg concluded by welcoming both future proprietors to the Rocky Hill business community. “And I hope to be welcoming you to the Rocky Hill Chamber of Commerce soon as well, ” he added.

Katherine Zervakis’s Cross Fit Halo gym will be located in the currently vacant portion of the office building at 50 Inwood Road. Don Hammerberg’s new restaurant will be located at 397 Cromwell Avenue in the empty unit in Hillview Plaza that was formerly home to Kid’s Heart childcare center.

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