It’s a matter of perspective in a Connecticut city where people are known to speak their minds. In West Haven, lots of people are talking about losing the chance to have a brewery and taproom in the old Savin Rock Conference Center on Rock Street, foiled by a lawsuit by Jimmies of Savin Rock across the street. But Mayor Dorinda Borer, elected in November 2023 , and her new economic development director, Steve Fontana, the city’s first in seven years, say they are undaunted by the setback and see bright days ahead for the city.
“We have a lot of activity that’s just on the verge of busting loose, busting open,” Borer said. Borer said the conference center — originally the old Phyllis’ Restaurant — will be going back out to bid; there is a new restaurant, beer garden and ice cream parlor planned for the old Chick’s Drive-In about a mile away; and there are several developers looking at the Haven site between First Avenue and New Haven Harbor, originally planned as a $200 million premium shopping center with 100 outlet stores and six restaurants. New England Brewing Co.
, now based in Woodbridge, had planned to move to the beachfront spot, but were stymied by Jimmies’ suit against NEBCO and the city Zoning Board of Appeals. The suit was based on zoning issues and variances NEBCO had sought. “I think the brewery would have brought people outside of West Haven .
.. into West Haven to go to the brewery, spend money,” Borer said.
“But also, they weren’t go.