An adult cabaret, daycare center and axe-throwing business all received key city zoning approvals this week.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved the applications at its meeting July 9. The City Plan Commission still needs to review and approve the plans, according to Nate Hougrand, Planner II with the City Plan Department.
Peter Forchetti, owner of Scores Gentlemen’s Club & Steakhouse, obtained a special exception for an adult cabaret with liquor service at 203 Wallace St.
Scores has to move from its current location in a former clock factory because that building is being turned into apartments. Forchetti says the new Wallace Street location will not be “just a strip club,” but a “Vegas-style” venue with food, comedians, DJs, singers, musicians and magicians.
“Our staff is so excited that we were approved — I could not thank the board enough,” Forchetti said. “It was a long journey and I’m so glad we pulled through. Our next step is to close on the building and then get permits and start construction as soon as possible.”
Forchetti also secured a variance for the new location, which he needed because it is 1,100 feet from an existing adult establishment, and city zoning requires a minimum distance of 1,500 feet.
The building needs to be renovated before the business can open, according to Forchetti, who said renovations could take up to six months.
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The New Haven Experience Co. LLC got the board’s approval for its proposal to open a Pine & Iron Axe Throwing business in storefront space at 770 Chapel St.
The company needed special exceptions for an indoor amusement use and to allow liquor service in a non-restaurant facility.
The business plans to have 10 throwing lanes for customers to hurl axes at wooden targets, a bar, a lounge with an arcade and board games, a private throwing room and workshop. The Chapel Street space still must be renovated before the business can open.
Attorney James Perito of Halloran Sage in New Haven, who represents the applicant, said his clients are “thrilled” with the board’s decision.
“We are very appreciative of the support from the community,” he said.
According to Perito, his client hopes to get its site plan reviewed and approved by the City Plan Commission in August, then will pursue required permits.
“If all goes well, my client is hoping for a September opening,” Perito said.
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The board also approved Yale New Haven Hospital’s application for a special exception permit for a child daycare center at 501 George St., at the site of the vacant former Ronald McDonald house. The hospital plans to relocate its current daycare facility on Chapel Street to this location. The move will allow it to accommodate twice as many children — up to 60.
The daycare will be for hospital employees’ children only. YNHH bought the George Street building from the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut in 2017 for $1.28 million. Ronald McDonald, which provides temporary housing for families of loved ones who are hospitalized, left the building for a new location on Howard Avenue in 2017.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com
