New Outdoor Waterfront Restaurant Denied In Old Saybrook

OLD SAYBROOK, CT — The owners of the former popular Dock & Dine restaurant were rejected at least for now in its bid to construct a 300-seat outdoor restaurant called Smoke on the Water.

The Zoning Commission voted earlier this month against the proposal saying that the application was incomplete. Some missing items included details on landscaping and parking requirements.

Also stated, the proposed Pavilion structure violates the 100 feet CT River Gateway Conservation Zone structure setback, meeting minutes state. It is possible the owners could re-file plans once they address the items listed by the commission.

The former Dock & Dine restaurant was twice destroyed during Irene and Superstorm Sandy and the owners wanted to set up seven trailers, which would hold two bars, and an area to allow for food preparation, WTNH News 8 reported. The cooking would take place on outdoor grills.

The owners sought approval to allow the restaurant to operate for a maximum of 180 days per year, according to zoning meeting minutes. The project includes Chef Colt Taylor of The Essex Public Market. Plans would have included outdoor music and adding a pedestrian walkway between the mini golf and the park. The trailers, which have quick disconnect systems, would be removed during a weather emergency and at season end.

The project has garnered a lot of attention and some local opposition.

Wayne and Barbara Harms, who spoke during the public hearing process, expressed concern that the restaurant wanted to have all the benefits of an indoor restaurant but the lights, sounds, smells and litter would not be contained as in an indoor premises, meeting minutes state.

The letters in opposition were concerned with any impact there may be on surrounding residential property values due to noise, odors, glare, litter and pollution as well as the ability to have a peaceful enjoyment of their property, meeting minutes state.

Of the comments in favor were Ray Allen, Susie Beckman, Elizabeth Swenson and Nannette Navarro. They said they are happy about the idea of some form of Dock n' Dine coming back.