Terra Sole. Mr. Polini. Ridgefield.
So many love the food. Si molto delizioso.
But the outside dining structure is ILLEGAL. The structure harms residents' rights, is in violation of multiple town laws and regulations, and its continued existence is unfair to other restaurants and businesses in Ridgefield as well as those who dine at Terra Sole.
Let’s fix the situation. Firstly we need to look at the actual facts. Documented facts, ok? And identify the processes that are required by law. Great food is not above the law anywhere.
Ridgefield Residents for Smart Development (RRSD) restates these documented facts in the same order that Mr. Polini did in a recent HamletHub article.
Misinformation can start when one person who did not attend a meeting receives information from another person who did attend a meeting.
To be clear Mr. Polini did not personally attend any of the required process meetings for approval that he referenced. He has never physically attended any of the Planning and Zoning Board meetings that were scheduled for discussion of the illegal outdoor structure built at Terra Sole Restaurant. He also did not attend the site walk prior to the Planning and Zoning Board meeting. Thus the possibility for misunderstanding.
Additionally he did not attend the Historic Committee meeting in October. He sent his manager Scott Yandrasevich. Again maybe this contributes to the confusion that he is expressing.
1) Sidewalks/Parking Spaces:
Sidewalks are required by the town between any building and parking spots. As far as the parking spaces Big Shop Lane, prior to its sale a couple of years ago, opted out of the shared parking lot, so Terra Sole has their own parking as part of 1-7 Big Shop Lane LLC. Now that Terra Sole is using those parking spots as seating, they are violating town parking requirements by offering no parking for their patrons. The shared parking lot is for other businesses who “opted in” to the shared parking (ie Milillo, 850 Pizza, Bailey’s Backyard, etc).
Additionally, the American Disability Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination, a concern for the Commission of Accessibility who is at odds with how establishments configure these areas and the mandated paths of access for ADA requirements as shown below.
2) Tent versus Structure/Addition
Emergency COVID restrictions differ from the Ridgefield town regulations. Covid regulations ended in early 2023, and Terra Sole was notified that changes to the structure needed to be adhered to.
In August 2023 Michael Fischer representative for 1-7 Big Shop Lane Group LLC sent a letter to Ridgefield Town authorizing Pelino Polini of Terra Sole to be the authorized representative for the purpose of submitting and discussing the Revision of the Special Application regarding a “tent” for exterior seating Mr. Fischer specifically did not give authority an addition or any physical structure to be added to the property.
3) Historic Landmark
The reason the building cannot be found in the Downtown Historic District is because there is no Downtown Historic District - that simply does not exist. It is factual that the building is a Historic Structure according to Ridgefield Town based on its age. That was confirmed when PZ Chairman Rob Hendrick (not Joe Sorena) informed Terra Sole representatives of this fact.
4.) Restaurant Seating Capacity
Mr. Polino states the seating capacity has not increased, however, his plans submitted show otherwise.
5.) Planning and Zoning Board Meeting 11/8/23
Again Mr. Polini did not attend. This information has been taken directly from the Approved Minutes. The application was denied without prejudice ( without prejudice means the application can be resubmitted to conform with Ridgefield Zoning Regulations.
This application and the following application (VDC-23-7) were received and acknowledged on September
6.) Decision must be made tonight unless extension is granted.
Ray Walker, H&R Design, and Scott, employee of Terra Sole, presented. There was a tent put up during Covid. Vestibule and small pergola were added outside in front of the building as well. Original indoor square footage and seating capacity prior to Covid was discussed. Drawing was shown. Original seating capacity was approximately 65.
Parking spaces/handicap parking was discussed. A site plan of parking was passed out and shown on screen.
More recently, wood walls were put up surrounding the tent.
Applicant is requesting the Board to review the tent structure as an outdoor eating area. Discussion was had on whether or not the tent qualifies as a structure by definition. Definition of structure was shown on screen. Consensus of staff and Board what is being called a tent, as it stands today, is a defined a structure(illegal).
Seating capacity as it pertains to the outdoor eating area was discussed and increasing seating capacity is not allowed. Discussion was had that the applicant should remove what was put up, and reapply for a Special Permit to build a structure. Alternative is to take all unpermitted structures down and apply for an outdoor eating area. What stands today is not legally considered an outdoor eating area. Motion to deny without prejudice (Maker: J. Sorena, second by B. Nneji) Unanimous Approval 2.2. VDC-23-7: 3 Big Shop Lane; Village District Application (per RZR 8.3 and 5.1.B and 7.2.
-Ridgefield Residents for Smart Development