New Haven Independent

Lou Ornato, who owns Lou’s Lodge at the corner of Clay and Blatchley, has long been eying a nearby sliver lot to add more parking for his bar patrons. The matter drew neighborhood protest when it came up a year ago.

Aldermen Monday night settled the matter, unanimously approving a land disposition agreement for the vacant city lot at 312 Blatchley Ave.

Under the agreement, only half of the lot (1,120 sq.ft.) will be sold to Ornato. The other half will be sold to DeGregorio Enterprises for off-street parking for his business at 93-95 Clay St. The city’s charging $2 per square foot, for price tag of $2,240 for each half, according to the agreement.