Neighbor Won’t Appeal Decision On Hops Renovation

It looks like the Derby Planning and Zoning Commission will not be sued for approving a renovation plan for The Hops Co. off Sodom Lane in east Derby.

(My) clients elected not to appeal,” Charles J. Willinger, Jr. said in an email. By agreement Hops is adding more buffering and less intrusive lighting.”

Willinger, a lawyer with Willinger, Willinger & Bucci in Bridgeport, represented Hops Co. neighbors, particularly Joe Jalowiec, a Derby native with extensive real estate holdings in the neighborhood.

Willinger and Jalowiec have argued that Hops is a nuisance to the neighborhood, and have worried that any improvements to the property would make the problems worse. Hops was a complicated property, because it’s a grandfathered commercial use in a residential zone.

A grandfathered use is prohibited from expanding its use under state law.

On March 26 the Derby Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4 – 2 to allow Hops to do extensive renovations to the rear potion of its property, including moving a small building, reconstructing a kitchen, and relocating two concession stands.

The back of the property is used for outdoor wedding receptions and events.

The front of the property is a wildly popular craft beer garden, consistently voted one of the best in the state by Connecticut Magazine reader polls.

Willinger had said he would appeal the decision to Superior Court, but the two sides have worked out a compromise. 

lt’s always better for all when an agreement can be made. The parties discussed it themselves and came to a resolution,” said Dominick Thomas, the Derby lawyer representing The Hops Co.

The renovated portion of the business is scheduled to open to the public in June, according to a video post from The Hops Co.‘s Facebook page.

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