Banquet Hall, Lodge/Cafe Proposed In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — African American Lodge 024 is seeking approval on plans to develop a warehouse, banquet, cafe at 30 and 12 Manila Avenue, according to meeting minutes filed with the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Attorney Bernard Pellegrino, of New Haven, represented the applicant. The property is located in the southern end of Hamden. The property owner is Joe James Davis.

Davis gave the commission his vision for the site, and he explained that he would like to provide a space for young kids and youth to feel welcome and have a space for themselves. He also explained that not only will kids benefit but also the community as it will have active and positive use that will be beneficial to the neighborhood, meeting minutes state.

Pellegrino, according to meeting minutes, "explained that the site will be a Banquet Hall and the home of a lodge that will host events for the youth. He explained that the space is a multi-use facility that will share use between the lodge and as an events space. He also informed the commission that there will be onsite and off-site parking."

The site is currently being used as a warehouse and plans call for redeveloping the facility, about 60 percent of the space would remain for a warehouse use with the remainder for the banquet hall and lodge/cafe.

During the public hearing, Cindy Civitello, "explained that she owns property directly across from the site location and she has concerns about the street parking, she said that that area is a residential area and there will not be enough parking spots. She also said that she would love to see more positive business in that side of town and hopefully they work something out regarding the parking," via meeting minutes.

James Davis, spoke in favor of the application; "he explained that the site will serve as community empowerment and its not just a structure but will serve for social justice and economic development. He expressed that it would bring about positive change through culture, art and inspiring future generations. He also said that they will be providing a space for young people and will improve the community," via meeting minutes.

No one spoke against the proposal. No vote has been taken on the proposal.

>>>Read more about the project here.