Plan for ice cream, coffee shop in Preston City wins approval

Application was for 1,090-square-foot, barn-style building on 1.7-acre vacant lot

Preston — The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a local family’s plan to build a year-round ice cream and coffee shop on Route 165A in the Preston City Village District.

The 4-0 vote followed a public hearing on the special exception required for the project in the village district, which allows mixed use and commercial development that “fits in” with the historic neighborhood, City Planner Kathy Warzecha said.

Barry T. and Jo-Ellen Converse and their daughters, Melinda, 20, and Alison, 17, applied for permits to build a 1,090-square-foot, barnstyle building on a 1.7-acre vacant lot at 19 Route 165A, or Old Shetucket Turnpike, near the Route 165-164 intersection.

American Honey Creamery will feature ice cream made on site with seasonal flavors that will feature locally grown products, such as berries from nearby Maple Lane Farms, Jo-Ellen Converse said.

The family also hopes to offer for sale local products, such as maple syrup, honey, preserves and local crafts and artwork.

She said eventually they would like to offer “grab-and-go” breakfast and lunch items, as well.

Speakers at the hearing had mixed comments on the proposal, with Pastor David Roseland of the Preston City Bible Church next door to the property speaking in favor.

Roseland turned to the Converse family and welcomed them to the neighborhood. Other neighbors, however, voiced concerns about traffic, litter and noise that could be generated at the year-round operation.

Robert and Vicky Giordani, who live directly across the street on Old Shetucket Turnpike, said the car

headlights would shine directly into their windows.

Neighbors also expressed concerns about any outdoor music planned at the venue.

The family does plan to have acoustic music on some nights, with local musicians performing, but no bands or lengthy concerts.

Commission members praised the plans for the ice cream shop and said the Converses put a lot of work into the plans to make the design fit with the neighborhood.