West Haveners could be enjoying beers like Sea Hag IPA and Schnitzengiggles festbier by the sea as soon as July 4 after the city council on Wednesday approved a lease for New England Brewing Co. to build a brewery and taproom at Savin Rock.
The West Haven City Council voted unanimously at a special meeting to approve a lease deal for the city-owned property at 6 Rock St. with developer Doug Gray, who will build the complex and act as a landlord for New England Brewing, currently located in Woodbridge.
Pending the resolution of several legal actions in opposition to the project, Gray said he expects to begin preparing the site and constructing a prefabricated building within weeks, with a goal of opening for business on July 4 of next year.
“I can tell you right now with the appeals that have come in on this, until those are resolved, I really can’t get moving full speed,” Gray said. “Once those are resolved, then everything’s under my control and this thing will be up and done inside of the year.”
Opponents have raised concerns about issues such as parking and traffic.
Noting the opposition, West Haven officials said they fully supported the brewery project and hoped it would spark economic growth in the city, which has been buffeted in recent months by a city hall financial scandal and the stalling of a luxury mall project.
“West Haven could really use a win,” Councilwoman Katherine Tucker said.
Councilman Mitch Gallignano agreed. “This is one step forward that the city needs badly. We all need it badly… it’s an anchor and it’s a step forward and hopefully other businesses follow suit,” he said. “This is a no-brainer.”
Gray cited his extensive experience developing malls and strip centers and promised that he would complete the project in a timely fashion as he has already invested several hundred thousand dollars.
Some residents had expressed doubt about the timeline, especially since news last month that developer Simon Premium Outlets was pulling out of the Haven, a $200 million luxury mall project planned for 26 acres on West Haven’s waterfront.
Gray said he was invested in the brewery project and expected to move forward. “We’re excited about it. I know New England brewing is very excited about it,” Gray said. “It’s something that we’re going to hold long term.”
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
