New Haven Independent

At issue was whether the smokers would constitute additional patrons or merely be bringing their smokes and drinks up from downstairs at the popular nightclub.

Click here to read Mary O’Leary’s article in Wednesday’s Register detailing that proposal.

If the smokers are viewed as additional patrons, city ordinances require additional parking to be provided. Toad’s owners sought relief from the City Plan Commission from having to do that.

“If they have more space,” said Commissioner Roy Smith, Jr. (at right in photo with Commission Chair Ed Mattison), “they’re going to pack in more people.”

Still he was sympathetic to the idea of permitting businesses to flourish, he said. “I’m divided. They are trying to bring more people downtown.” He said he likes the idea of the parking lots being fuller.

Other commissioners had misgivings about where, for example, the butts might be thrown or extinguished. Ed Mattison, the commission’s chair, called for a tabling the proposal in order to allow time to get a report from the city’s Department of Traffic and Parking and other relevant offices, including the fire marshal.

The motion passed unanimously.