A section of the former Chick’s Drive-In property on Beach Street in West Haven is slated to be transformed into a housing development, with construction expected to begin this coming spring.
The West Haven Planning and Zoning Commission at its Oct. 12 meeting unanimously approved a project to build 12 single-family detached housing units on a portion of the former Chick’s site and half of the parking lot (where Chick’s overflow and auxiliary parking was), located at 41-45 Morse Ave. and 183 Beach St.
The beachfront property development was proposed by North Haven-based CDM Holdings LLC. The Amico Group LLC of North Haven purchased the 6,700-square foot former restaurant and the 2.5 acres of land for $1 million in 2021.
Chick’s was a fixture in West Haven since 1950 and was renowned for its fried seafood, lobster rolls and split hot dogs. The restaurant closed in 2015 just months after the death of its founder Joseph E. ‘Chick’ Celentano. The patriarch told his sons he wanted the restaurant to close when he died.
Amico Group principal Christopher Marone, who is also a principal in CDM Holdings LLC said the project will be an excellent fit for West Haven.
“You’re going to get beautiful townhouses, with ocean views out your windows, and still have the commercial use (the ex-Chick’s building for future development) next door,” Marone said.
Marone noted the townhouses will be 1,700-square feet each, with three bedrooms and two and a half baths.
Marone is hopeful construction can begin in the spring and will likely take upwards of 18 months to complete. He said the project still requires a couple other approvals from the building department, and said there’s still a lot of architectural work that needs to get done before any shovels go into the ground. The project previously received approval from West Haven’s Inland Wetlands Commission.
“The administration, including the city engineer, was attentive and provided constructive feedback,“ Marone said.
The former Chick’s building itself will not be demolished, and it is separate from the housing project, according to Marone.
PZC approves two other projects
The PZC also approved an active adult residential community for 37 Shingle Hill Rd., proposed by the applicant BLLT, LLC. The project will feature construction of eight buildings, each containing two, semi-detached residential housing units, for a total of 16, single family, two-bedroom units. The commission voted 4-1 in favor of the development, with Commission Vice Chairman John Biancur casting the sole, dissenting vote. Many neighbors had come out in opposition at previous meetings to the 55 and older housing community, expressing concerns that it was far too dense for the 3.1-acre parcel.
The commission also unanimously approved an expansion to the American Legion building at 337 Main St. A 2,550 square-foot single story addition to the rear of the building, with 12 housing units, including two handicapped efficiency units, will be built. The project applicant, 337 Main St. LLC, told the commission the building’s façade, which honors WWII Veterans, will be preserved and remain untouched with the new development and will preserve the crown and two pilasters of the existing front entrance of the building.
