Thomas MacMillan Photo
A plan for an ice cream parlor didn’t find the favor of the City Plan Commission. But a proposed boxing gym won another round of the approval process.
Those results came out of Wednesday night’s meeting of the City Plan Commission, where two ideas for ventures in the Hill and Dixwell neighborhoods were considered.
Both items were referred from the Board of Zoning Appeals, which heard the proposals last week. Commissioners voted to recommend the denial of a request to open an ice cream parlor on West Street, and to recommend the approval of a request by former world champion Devonne “Da Bomb” Canady (pictured above) open a boxing gym on Orchard Street.
Deputy Director of Zoning Tom Talbot told the commission that the ice cream shop plan calls for a very small operation in a residential building that also houses a daycare. Four other stores nearby also sell ice cream, he said. The store would be located on a narrow one-way street.
“It doesn’t seem well thought out,” said commission chair Ed Mattison. The commission voted unanimously to recommend the BZA deny the application.
Talbot said a boxing gym would be a less intensive use for the building on Orchard Street, which was a gas station before being abandoned in 1984.
“The only thing is it might not happen,” said Mattison, referring to the amount of renovation required at the site.
“Your concerns are probably justified,” said Talbot.
The commission voted unanimously to recommend the approval of the boxing gym.
Devonne "Da Bomb"....keep up the good work. I truly applaud your hardwork and genuine intentions to give the kids of New Haven an outlet and a place to receive a positive place to be. "Structure" is what I see them getting from your boxing rink. This is something that is honestly being missed in so many of the homes of our youth. Not trying to be funny but lets call a spade a spade. Its reality. And the reality is that you are needed in this community. I read about the outburst and from the BZA hearing last week and was thoroughly disgusted that the neighbors found fault in your proposal But I want you to know that these are the people that are NOT offering a better way for our kids. "Keep on pressing on" as Momma and them use to say! I see this place being a 1,2 Knock-Out!!!! This is why you are a Champ...champs don't quit!!