Preserving Noank’s simple tradition
From lobster rolls to fried clam strips and chowder, nothing says summer in New England like seafood. And there’s no better place to get a taste of coastal New England than at an authentic seafood shack. In Noank, we are very lucky to have three. Deirdre Mears, of the very popular Abbott’s in the Rough, said, ‘’There’s a real allure to being able to bring your own bottle of wine, bring your own tablecloth and set yourself up for the night. It’s an attraction. And especially these days, it’s comfort food. It’s what I grew up with.’’ And she added, ‘’People are staying closer to home these days.’’ (New York Times, “Just a Shack to Some. Heaven to Others.”)
Dan Meiser of the Mystic Oyster Club is asking for a ‘non-conforming use’ of the former Ford’s Lobster establishment in Noank so that he can change that. He is proposing doubling the restaurant size to 98, providing parking for just 28 cars, and he is asking for a full liquor license. Mr. Meiser hired Attorney Bill R. Sweeney of Tobin, Carberry, O’Malley, Riley & Selinger, P.C., which specializes in the areas of Zoning & Land Use, Environmental, Real Estate Transactions, and Liquor Licensing to help pave the way.
Noank’s current regulations state: “No non-conforming use of the land shall be enlarged, extended, or altered except in changing the use to one which is permitted in the district in which such use is located.” (13.3.1) According to a memorandum of the Zoning Dept. from 2017, ‘The sale of alcoholic beverages is an enlargement of the preexisting non-conforming use of the property.’ Ford’s Lobster operated under a Special Exception, which was granted by the Noank Fire District Zoning Commission on March 11, 2015. Asking the community to again grant additional exceptions to this location is asking too much. Doubling the size of the former Ford’s with inadequate provision for parking and giving them a full liquor license does not benefit the community.
As far as I know, the Dan Meiser group does a good job with their businesses. However, their proposal for Noank is not appropriate. I suggest that Dan Meiser, owner of 85th Day Restaurant Group, expand their restaurant business to someplace that can accommodate their vision and does not require breaking zoning regulations. I can think of a few places where they could do a lot of good.
Noank has a tradition of simple informal eating establishments on the waterfront. I favor preserving our tradition. It’s part of our history and culture, as it is along the coast of New England. If Dan Meiser wants to sell liquor in Noank, I suggest that he buy the package store on Pearl Street, currently on the market.