A lively discussion took place at the October 5 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding a new restaurant proposed to straddle the adjacent Sandy Hook properties at 6 Glen Road and 1 Riverside Road.

The public hearing centered around a request for special exception from Christopher Hottois and his Flint Ridge Development, longtime developers in Sandy Hook and Newtown. The exception was sought by Hottois along with civil engineer Alan Shepard.

The applicants contended the commission’s evaluation of whether the proposed restaurant would meet the town’s parking requirements for commercial development should consider a nearby shared parking space under the ownership of Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP).

Hottois believes with the recognition of these additional parking spaces as part of the parking available to the restaurant’s future customers, the proposal could meet the town’s requirements and move forward with the construction process.

Previously, the 6 Glen property was utilized by offices and landscaping firms. According to Flint Ridge, they intend to combine two structures on this land, together with a barn, in order to pave the way for the new enterprise.

This proposal comes as the latest development in the town’s ongoing effort to partner with private developers to revitalize the local economy in the Sandy Hook area.

“It’s a full-service restaurant,” Hottois told the commission. “They will be doing lunch and dinner.”

While the proposal found favor with some, it did not come without reservation.

Commission Chair Dennis Bloom was quick to point out a potential concern relating to handicapped parking.

“I’m not satisfied with the placement of these spots on your drawings,” he told the developers. “The travel distance seems way too far for [alternately-abled persons].”

This concern derives from the initial plans, which propose handicapped parking across the road. Although a sign was suggested by P&Z members that might help guide restaurant customers to the designated crosswalk, apprehensions persisted about the risks posed by additional pedestrian traffic on an already busy street.

Shepard reassured the board, stating, “We believe we meet the code.” However, he and Hottois expressed Flint Ridge’s openness to designating additional spaces as handicapped closer to the restaurant.

Public concerns were voiced by resident Greg Bruszek, of 3 Riverside Road, who felt the restaurant was too close to residential activity, including his own home. He also expressed safety concerns, noting that some pedestrians may not walk the longer distance to the closest crosswalk but would rather opt to simply cross the busy and sometimes congested Glen Road.

“This is a huge safety issue in my opinion,” he told the commission.

Michael Burton, president of SHOP and a developer of several residential projects in the area, weighed in favorably about the Flint Ridge application.

“I think the restaurant concept is good,” he said. “SHOP does encourage restaurants. We encourage growth. We’re happy to share the parking with the potential use.”

After considering the concerns and potential benefits, Planning & Zoning ultimately moved to approve the special exception, on the condition that Flint Ridge implements the amendments that were suggested.

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Reporter/Editorial Assistant Owen Tanzer can be reached at owen@thebee.com.